KwaZulu-Natal Encounters Severe Flooding Crisis Yet Again

KwaZulu-Natal has faced new flooding due to heavy rains, worsening the situation for many residents. Over 20 fatalities have been reported in two months. The South African Weather Service has issued a level 5 warning, expecting further severe weather. Over 3,600 families have been affected and are in need of shelter and support from various aid organizations.

KwaZulu-Natal, specifically eThekwini, has experienced renewed flooding over the weekend due to heavy rainfall that worsened prior damage, leading to increased homelessness and disruptions to transportation and commerce. In the last two months, flooding in the province has claimed more than 20 lives.

The South African Weather Service has raised its warning to level 5, forecasting continued flooding in vulnerable regions, with heavy rain expected to lead to severe lightning and damaging winds primarily in the western and southern areas of the province.

Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in KwaZulu-Natal, expressed concern, stating: “We have lost more than 20 people in the last two months… The cost of these floods runs into hundreds of millions…” He noted the ongoing recovery from the severe floods of 2022 complicates the current crisis, as many victims from last year are still awaiting assistance.

Over 3,600 families have been relocated, with 2,224 housing units reported as destroyed. Thousands more are still in need of temporary shelter. Assistance has been provided by emergency services, government branches, and NGOs, including Gift of the Givers and Al-Imdaad Foundation.

Residents are advised to remain indoors and refrain from unnecessary travel, particularly those in low-lying areas or near riverbanks. Buthelezi reiterated the urgent need for safety, stating, “We are deeply concerned about the potential impact of these severe thunderstorms…”

The recent flooding in KwaZulu-Natal has significantly impacted lives and infrastructure, causing over 20 fatalities in two months and displacing thousands. The province continues to grapple with the aftermath of ongoing severe weather events, highlighting urgent needs for both immediate assistance and long-term recovery solutions.

Original Source: allafrica.com