Severe flooding and prolonged heavy rainfall in Umlazi, south of Durban, resulted in extensive damage to infrastructure and homes, including the collapse of roads and bridges[2][7][8]. Mudslides and the saturation of soil led to the destruction of multiple houses, with reports indicating that at least one person died and many others required hospitalisation[2][3]. In Ward 85 specifically, two houses collapsed and five people were hospitalised due to the mudslides[1]. Numerous roads throughout the area were flooded or destroyed, causing significant transportation disruptions and increasing the number of traffic accidents[2][7]. The Madondo family lost a loved one after their house collapsed in P Section[3]. Other badly affected locations include Chicago in AA Section, J Section, and Ward 78 near KwaMgaga High School, where several homes were washed away, leaving residents homeless[2][3].
Authorities, including the KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements, responded by evacuating families whose homes had collapsed or were at imminent risk. Over 50 families were relocated to Temporary Emergency Accommodation (TEA), and the National Builders Registration Council was tasked with assessing the structural integrity of affected structures and the geotechnical safety of the area[4][5]. These evacuations and assessments aim to prevent further injuries and loss of life as heavy rainfall continues to put vulnerable communities at risk[5]. Local leadership and provincial officials, such as the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, visited the hardest-hit communities to assess damages and coordinate relief efforts[2][3].
References
- [1] Mudslides in uMlazi: Five people hospitalised after house collapses
- [2] KZN floods wreak havoc, claiming one life and injuring many – IOL
- [3] Durban floods: One dead, dozens injured in Umlazi – The Witness
- [4] KZN Floods | Affected Umlazi residents to be relocated – YouTube
- [5] Minister Thembi Simelane on coordinated response to uMlazi …
- [7] Floods destroy houses and roads in Umlazi – Arrive Alive
- [8] Floods destroy houses and roads in Umlazi – South Africa Today
Leave a Reply