Eleven people, including a six-year-old boy, have died in KwaZulu-Natal since December due to severe weather conditions. Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has sent his condolences to the families of those who have passed away.
DEVASTATING AFTERMATH
KZN Cogta spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila said the province is grappling with the devastating aftermath of severe weather that has impacted the province since Sunday, resulting in significant damage to infrastructure, widespread power outages and tragic loss of life. Among those who have died is six-year-old Banele Mpungose, who was struck by lightning on Sunday in KwaMpofu near Eshowe, while Lwandle Pasi (22) from Darnal in KwaDukuza and Siyabonga Mavundla from the Ohwebede area in Mandeni drowned in separate incidents on Saturday. "The province has tragically lost 11 lives due to severe weather conditions since the beginning of December. MEC Buthelezi has dispatched disaster management teams to provide support to the affected families. This includes providing essential resources, coordinating relief efforts and assessing the extent of the damage," Mzila said.
INFRASTRUCTURE DAMAGES TO COST MILLIONS
According to Mzila, the severe weather has caused widespread disruption in the province with extensive infrastructure damage. He added that 370 houses were completely destroyed and 933 households affected, with municipal roads, bridges, schools, and water infrastructure all bearing the brunt of the storm. "There are also widespread power outages in several municipalities, including Cato Ridge, eMpangeni, uLundi, Msunduzi, Nquthu, Vryheid, Wartburg, Stanger, Hluhluwe, and Nkandla. Eskom technical teams are working tirelessly to restore power," Mzila said, adding that the estimated cost of the damage is currently R411 million. "Residents are urged to remain vigilant as inclement weather conditions are expected to continue. Motorists are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution on the roads due to slippery conditions," he said.
