KwaZulu-Natal
By Mpho Moloi
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) residents have been urged to remain vigilant and adhere to weather warnings following devastating floods that have claimed 24 lives, displaced thousands, and caused billions of rands in damage to infrastructure. The province has been battered by heavy rains since the beginning of March, leaving many communities in crisis.
Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has called for greater preparedness and stronger disaster response measures, warning that more extreme weather is expected in the coming weeks. He stressed the need for residents to take precautions and avoid unnecessary travel during adverse conditions.
Heavy Rains Leave a Trail of Destruction
Since early March, KwaZulu-Natal has experienced some of the worst flooding in recent years, with torrential downpours leading to submerged roads, collapsed bridges, and power outages across several districts. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) had issued warnings of Level 6 disruptive rain, alerting residents to the risk of flash floods, landslides, and poor driving conditions.
Among the worst-hit areas were eThekwini, Inanda, Lamontville, Pinetown, and parts of the uMgungundlovu District, where entire homes were washed away by rising floodwaters. Several informal settlements were also destroyed, leaving families homeless and dependent on emergency shelters.
In Pinetown, tragedy struck when a 54-year-old woman was swept away while trying to cross a flooded bridge. Her body was found six hours later by emergency services. Authorities have warned against attempting to cross swollen rivers or driving on waterlogged roads, as many fatalities occur due to reckless decisions in dangerous conditions.
Mop-Up Operations Begin Amidst Further Weather Warnings
Emergency teams have begun mop-up operations, working tirelessly to clear roads, restore electricity, and repair damaged infrastructure. However, the SAWS has warned that the risk of further downpours remains high, particularly in low-lying areas prone to flooding.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli visited some of the worst-affected communities, including Inanda and Lamontville, to assess the damage. He emphasised the importance of maintaining infrastructure and ensuring that disaster relief efforts reach those in need.
“If the infrastructure is well maintained and working, we are able to save lives. But what is also important is the message to the residents of KwaZulu-Natal: they must not cross rivers when the river is flooded, they must not take a chance,” Ntuli stated.Government Declares KZN a Disaster Zone
The KZN provincial government has officially declared the province a “disaster-affected area” in response to the severity of the floods. This declaration allows for the mobilisation of additional funding and resources to support relief and rebuilding efforts.
The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) has confirmed that the damage to roads, water systems, and public buildings is estimated to be in the billions of rands. Many rural communities have been cut off from essential services, while hospitals and schools have suffered severe structural damage.
“We need urgent interventions to rebuild our communities, but more importantly, we need a long-term plan to deal with climate-related disasters,” said KZN Cogta MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi.Residents Urged to Take Weather Warnings Seriously
Authorities have criticised the lack of public preparedness for extreme weather events, urging residents to take weather warnings seriously and evacuate when advised. Many communities remain vulnerable due to poor drainage systems, illegal construction, and settlements built in high-risk flood zones.
Premier Ntuli issued a stern warning to residents about taking unnecessary risks:
“They must not travel when it’s not pressing, especially at night. Some of these things we can actually prevent,” he said.Despite repeated warnings, emergency responders continue to rescue stranded individuals who attempt to drive through flooded roads or wade through dangerous waters.
Devastation to Infrastructure and Public Services
The impact of the floods on KwaZulu-Natal’s infrastructure has been catastrophic, with reports of:
• Collapsed roads and bridges, leaving communities isolated.
• Power outages due to fallen electricity poles and damaged substations.
• Water supply disruptions, forcing thousands to rely on emergency water tankers.
• Schools and hospitals suffering damage, with some facilities forced to shut down.
Public transport has also been severely affected, with train services suspended and bus routes blocked in certain areas. Residents have struggled to commute, with many forced to find alternative means of transport.
Emergency Relief and Humanitarian Efforts
Humanitarian organisations, including the South African Red Cross, Gift of the Givers, and local NGOs, have stepped in to provide emergency relief. They have distributed:
• Food parcels, blankets, and clothing to displaced families.
• Temporary shelter assistance for those whose homes were destroyed.
• Medical aid for flood victims suffering from injuries and waterborne diseases.
The eThekwini Municipality has opened temporary shelters for affected residents, but there are growing concerns about the long-term impact on housing, employment, and education in flood-ravaged areas.
Climate Change and the Urgent Need for Long-Term Solutions
Climate experts have warned that KwaZulu-Natal is likely to face more frequent and intense flooding in the coming years due to climate change. The province has suffered several extreme weather events in recent years, including:
• The April 2022 floods, which left more than 400 dead and caused R17 billion in damages.
• The October 2023 storms, which displaced over 5,000 people.
• The January 2024 heavy rains, which flooded parts of Durban.
With extreme weather becoming the new normal, calls are growing for:
• Investment in flood-resistant infrastructure to withstand future storms.
• Upgraded drainage systems to prevent water accumulation in urban areas.
• Stronger town planning regulations to prevent construction in flood-prone zones.
• Public education campaigns on disaster preparedness.
“We need a proactive approach. We cannot wait for disasters to happen before we act,” said environmental scientist Dr. Mbali Nkosi.
🔴 Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 98 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: “Fezile Dabi Mayor Khasudi: ‘The Boreholes Exist, and the DA is Delivering for Residents”
Download Here:
Direct PDF Link:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Central-News-Issue-098.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube