A herdsman is presumed to have drowned while attempting to cross a river in Zwelisha, outside Durban, following heavy rains in KwaZulu Natal yesterday. It is reported that the man was herding cows in Palmview when he decided to return to his residence in Zwelisha after sudden heavy rain swept through the area.

DISAPPEARED UNDERWATER

According to Reaction Unit SA (RUSA) officers, while traversing the river, the herdsman and one cow experienced difficulty and were swept away. RUSA spokesperson Prem Belram said the cow managed to exit the river further downstream but witnesses confirmed that the man disappeared underwater. "Reaction officers have scoured the river banks from Zwelisha to Ottawa in an attempt to locate the victim but the search was unsuccessful. Flash flooding, poor lighting,and continuous heavy downpours have hampered any attempt of rescue," Belram said, adding that due to the inclement weather, the search for his body was aborted. Several reports of property damage were also received during the downpours. This includes the Dube Village Mall which was also badly damaged.

DISASTER TEAMS DISPATCHED TO AFFECTED AREAS

According to the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Inanda township was the most affected area. Cogta spokesperson Siboniso Mngadi said preliminary reports indicate that several homes have been damaged and some individuals have sustained injuries. "Public infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and water have also suffered severe damage. The disaster management teams are currently conducting assessments on the ground throughout the night to determine the full extent of the impact,' Mngadi said. He added that the public can rest assured that disaster management teams are actively on the ground, collecting all the necessary data. "We would like to convey our heartfelt sympathies to the families whose homes have been damaged and wish a speedy recovery to those who have been injured,' he added.