KZN storm leaves two missing

A search is underway on Monday for a woman from the New Hanover area after severe storms and flash floods hit parts of KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday evening. The woman, identified by family members as Angie, is among two people reported missing after heavy rainfall caused rivers and low lying areas to overflow.

Disaster management teams have been deployed to the affected areas as authorities continue efforts to find the missing individuals.

According to the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, sudden downpours led to localised flooding across uMshwathi Local Municipality. New Hanover was among the worst affected areas, with residents reporting that water levels rose quickly and caught households off guard. Angie was last seen after leaving home to check on relatives nearby. Her family believes she may have been swept away in the fast moving water that surged through parts of the community.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi said officials were working urgently to locate the missing. “Our disaster management teams are on the ground and are working closely with search and rescue personnel to find the individuals who were swept away during the flooding. We are doing everything possible under very challenging conditions,” Buthelezi said.

Families of the missing have been waiting for updates along search routes, while neighbours and community members have offered support and joined in efforts where possible. Many described the flooding as sudden and far more intense than what they have previously experienced.

The South African Weather Service had issued Level 5 and Level 4 warnings for severe thunderstorms earlier in the day. These alerts included warnings of heavy rain, strong winds and a likelihood of localised flooding. Residents in New Hanover said the storm escalated quickly, with streams breaking their banks and stormwater systems becoming overwhelmed within minutes.

The flooding also damaged homes, roads and bridges in the broader uMgungundlovu District. Disaster management officials said several homes reported water damage and infrastructure assessments will begin once conditions improve and access routes are safe.

As news of the missing people spread, many South Africans turned to social media to express concern and share their reactions. One Facebook user wrote, “Omg I lived there when I was young. I never saw anything like this. I hope there are no deaths.”

Another user commented, “People must or must be moved out of the natural water channels prone to flooding to ensure that they are safe from events of lowland flooding. If not, it will always end in pain and tears for unsafe families. Environmental planning department including GIS unit of the municipalities need to wake up from their deep sleep and start doing the real job.”

Authorities have urged residents to avoid flooded roads and swollen rivers and to follow official updates as search and rescue efforts continue. Angie’s family described her as a caring and community oriented person and said they are holding onto hope for her safe return.

Officials said further information will be released as soon as progress is made in the search.