KwaZulu-Natal authorities have urged residents and motorists to remain vigilant amidst ongoing heavy rains and flooding across the province. This follows the tragic discovery of a Pinetown woman’s body early Friday morning, after her vehicle was swept away as she attempted to cross a bridge while returning from work.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) confirmed the incident, adding that comprehensive clean-up operations are underway province-wide following widespread damage from intense rainfall.
A Level 6 weather warning from the South African Weather Service (SAWS) remains active for eThekwini Metro and parts of the Ugu, iLembe, and uMgungundlovu districts, indicating significant risks associated with flooding and severe weather. A Level 4 warning, indicating moderate risk, applies to the rest of KwaZulu-Natal.
Cogta MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi highlighted the severe impacts on coastal areas, including extensive flooding, uprooted trees, and widespread electricity outages. “Technical teams are currently working tirelessly to restore power to affected communities,” Buthelezi said.
“We urge residents to heed weather alerts and exercise extreme caution. These conditions pose a significant risk to life and property,” the MEC added.
Eskom has also been significantly affected, with spokesperson Joyce Zingoni confirming widespread electricity outages caused by infrastructure damage. The hardest-hit areas include Ingagane, Colenso, Nottingham Road, Underberg, Mandini, Ixopo, Melmoth, Mtubatuba, Eshowe, Stanger, Greytown, Wartburg, and Harding.
“We appeal for patience from customers as restoration efforts are hampered by damaged infrastructure and difficult weather conditions,” Zingoni stated, assuring that Eskom teams are actively working to restore electricity as swiftly and safely as possible.
