Durban — The Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN) Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) confirmed that the death toll following the devastating mudslides now stands at seven.
The province was hit by severe storms this past week that led to infrastructure damage and collapsed roads and mountains leading to mudslides and floods. The Durban south area was affected the most, SABC news reported.
The department confirmed was that of a young school child who was swept away while crossing a river in eShoba in the Abaqulusi Local Municipality.
According to KZN COGTA spokepserosn, Senzwelwe Mzila, the department passed on its condolences to the families who lost loved ones during the mudslides. He said disaster management teams have been dispatched to towns in the province.
The KwaZulu-Natal government is working on relief efforts for the victims of recent bad weather patterns which have since killed six people. Transport MEC Siboniso Duma says there is a need for infrastructure upgrades designed to withstand disasters. @Phila_MD reports.
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“Disaster management teams have been deployed by MEC Buthelezi to commence with more operations at several towns including Durban Ladysmith and Newcastle. They all have been experiencing flooding affecting roads and infrastructure,” he said.
He added that 25 families have lost their homes due to heavy rainfall which caused widespread flooding and landslides in the province.
According to EWN, Mzila said the province has rolled out relief efforts to help those affected.
“Affected communities are receiving support from the provincial government, working with social partners and line function departments. These departments, including human settlements and social development,”: he said.
The MEC appealed to communities to remain cautious on the ground as low-lying areas remain at risk of flooding.
According to The Witness, the identities of five of the deceased were also released:
- Lindokuhle Mthembu (13) from eNsimbini.
- Emmanuel Nkwanyana (45) from KwaMakhutha.
- Alwande Sihlelelwe (12) from Demat.
- Sphindile Mhlongo (41) from Adams Mission.
- Mlungisi Mhlongo (44)
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
