Mop-up operations are under way in KwaZulu-Natal while a level 6 weather warning for heavy rainfall remains in place ahead of the weekend.
Meanwhile, at least one person has perished as a result of the inclement weather conditions after the body of a woman was found in a river in Pinetown. According to reports, the woman was swept away on her way home from work on Thursday evening.
The South African Weather Services (SAWS) issued an orange Level 6 warning for the KZN region on Friday. SAWS warning was for disruptive rain with heavy downpours leading to flooding of roads and settlements, damage to infrastructure, and mudslides along the KwaZulu-Natal coast, except the north coast.
The SAWS also issued a yellow level 2 warning over most parts of KwaZulu-Natal as well as along the Wild Coast and its adjacent interior in the Eastern Cape, cautioning of disruptive rain with heavy downpours leading to localised flooding of roads and settlements, damage to infrastructure, and mudslides.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) spokesperson, Senzelwe Mzila, said mop-up operations are taking place, particularly in the eThekwini metro area.
Cogta MEC, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, extended condolences to the bereaved family after search and rescue teams recovered both the vehicle and the deceased’s body early this morning.
“The intense downpour wreaked havoc across coastal regions, leading to widespread flooding, uprooted trees, and significant disruptions to electricity supply in numerous communities. Technical teams are working diligently to restore power to affected areas.
“(We are) actively coordinating with all municipalities to assess the full extent of the damage caused by the heavy rains. Preliminary reports indicate substantial impact on road infrastructure and disruptions to service delivery,” said Mzila.
Disaster Management teams will continue to monitor all major routes and areas prone to disaster-related incidents, ensuring a swift and effective response to any further emergencies.
Buthelezi issued a strong appeal to residents to remain vigilant, especially for the eThekwini Metro and parts of the Ugu, iLembe, and uMgungundlovu Districts.
"We urge all residents to heed the weather warnings and exercise extreme caution. These conditions pose a significant risk to human life and livestock," emphasised Buthelezi.