One dead, two missing in KZN floods

The body of one of the three people swept away by floods in the Umshwathi Local Municipality has been recovered, while two others remain missing, authorities confirmed on Sunday. Most of those affected by the flooding in the Shiyabazali area are foreign nationals, officials said on Monday as intensive search are underway.

MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma received the first report from a roving team that had been working through the night following prolonged rainfall in the municipality. “The body of one of the three victims who were swept away has been located. We extend our deepest condolences to the family,” Duma said.

The roving team, comprising officials from the Department of Human Settlements and the Department of Transport, is coordinating with the Mayor of Umshwathi Local Municipality, Cllr Mandla Zondi, and local disaster management teams to assist affected residents. Duma said verification of the victims would begin on Monday morning with the assistance of local ward councillor Sikhumbuzo Nxumalo and municipal disaster personnel.

Officials said around 100 people, mostly foreign nationals from Lesotho, were affected by the flooding, which destroyed informal settlements located in flood plains. When offered temporary shelter at a community hall on Saturday night, some residents chose to stay with relatives instead. Authorities are urging communities not to build homes in flood-prone areas to prevent future tragedies.

“The informal settlements that were washed away were built in flood plains. We continue to plead with communities not to build in flood plains,” Duma said. He added that interventions are being accelerated in consultation with Minister of Human Settlements Thembi Simelane to provide emergency housing for South African residents affected by the floods.

The flooding comes after several days of heavy rainfall in the region, which caused rivers to overflow and roads to be submerged. Disaster management teams have been working to assess damage to infrastructure and residential areas while locating those still missing.

Authorities said search and rescue operations would continue until all missing persons are accounted for. Duma said the departments remain committed to supporting the affected communities and providing necessary relief.

The recovery of the first body underscores the ongoing risks faced by residents living in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Municipal officials said coordination between local government, provincial departments, and community leaders remains critical to managing the immediate aftermath and preventing further loss of life.

Residents have been urged to follow official updates and avoid attempting to cross rivers or enter flooded areas until conditions are deemed safe by disaster management teams.