By Thapelo Molefe
Severe flooding in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) continues to endanger lives, with torrential rains causing devastation across the province.
A woman was found dead on Friday morning after she was swept away in her car into the Umbilo River in Pinetown on Thursday evening.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an orange level 6 warning for parts of the province as heavy rains continue to threaten the region.
The victim, believed to be in her early 50s, was traveling home when her vehicle was washed off the Stapleton Road bridge by raging floodwaters.
Emergency services, including teams from ALS Paramedics, eThekwini Fire Department and other rescue units, initiated a search operation.
Due to poor visibility and safety concerns, the search was temporarily halted on Thursday night but resumed early Friday morning.
The woman’s severely damaged car was located around 3am.
This incident occurred amidst severe weather conditions in KZN, where heavy rains have led to widespread flooding. SAWS has forecasted significant rainfall in the southeastern areas until Friday, increasing the risk of flooding and infrastructure damage.
Authorities expect roads and settlements to be submerged, with mud houses particularly vulnerable. The affected municipalities include eThekwini, KwaDukuza, Mkhambathini, Ndwedwe, Ray Nkonyeni, Umdoni, Umuziwabantu and Umzumbe.
“A cold front will pass through the eastern parts of the province, resulting in persistent widespread showers and thundershowers over the southeastern part until Friday evening,” SAWS warned.
The weather service also emphasised that these conditions could lead to life-threatening floods and disruptions to essential services, including water, electricity and communication.
The government’s meteorological service stated that the heavy downpours threaten lives and could disrupt critical infrastructure.
“If possible, avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles,” SAWS advised.
Additionally, the service cautioned that those trapped in vehicles during floods should abandon them and move to higher ground.
Residents in flood-prone buildings have been urged to move valuables to safer locations and turn off electricity at the main supply point, while rural communities are encouraged to relocate animals to higher ground to prevent loss.
In response to the crisis, the government has said it continues to assist flood victims.
The Department of Human Settlements has allocated R100 million to KwaZulu-Natal to aid in managing the flood aftermath. This funding aims to assist in disaster relief efforts, rebuilding homes and repairing damaged infrastructure.
The government recently declared a state of disaster in the province following earlier flooding. Storms, floods, and strong winds have devastated infrastructure and led to the loss of 22 lives across the province.
Residents have been urged to stay up to date with weather advisories.
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