The KwaZulu-Natal government has intensified disaster preparedness efforts after severe weather claimed 35 lives across the province since December.
KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi said the provincial disaster management team has launched a coordinated plan aimed at helping municipalities prepare for potential winter disasters, particularly fires in informal settlements.
Buthelezi was addressing a media briefing in Durban on Thursday, where he stressed the importance of early planning to safeguard communities and critical infrastructure.
“Overall, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Disaster Management remains committed to proactive planning and coordinated action to protect communities and critical infrastructure throughout the winter period,” he said.
Provincial officials said more than 9,400 people have been affected by inclement weather across the province’s nine districts, including the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality.
Nearly 700 homes were destroyed during the storms, while more than 1,500 houses were partially damaged. Authorities said the destruction has left at least 369 residents homeless.
The KwaZulu-Natal Disaster Management Centre confirmed that search efforts are still underway for at least six people who remain missing following various weather-related incidents.
Among the missing are two young men from uMdoni Local Municipality who were swept away by floodwaters on 31 December.
Another young man disappeared in uMzumbe Local Municipality on the same day under similar circumstances.
In eThekwini, a resident was reported missing on 21 December in Ward 8 after being caught in strong water currents. Authorities also reported that a 45-year-old man went missing in Nquthu on 3 January during flash flooding near a local river.
The sixth missing person was reported in Msinga Local Municipality following an incident that occurred last week.
Provincial authorities said a series of extreme weather incidents between December 2025 and March 2026 affected communities across several districts in KwaZulu-Natal.
These incidents included heavy rainfall, flash floods, hailstorms, lightning strikes, fires and structural collapses.
The province activated disaster management teams shortly after alerts were issued by the South African Weather Service, enabling provincial and municipal authorities to coordinate emergency responses in high-risk areas.
Damage assessments revealed that homes, roads, schools, health facilities and farms were impacted in districts including uMgungundlovu, Amajuba, uThukela, uMzinyathi, Ugu, Zululand, uMkhanyakude and iLembe.
Authorities said many of the storm-related fatalities were linked to drowning incidents caused by rapidly rising rivers and powerful currents.
Several victims were reportedly swept away while attempting to cross flooded rivers or low-lying bridges during heavy rainfall.
Lightning strikes during intense thunderstorms in northern parts of the province also resulted in fatalities, while structural collapses and fires in vulnerable communities contributed to the overall death toll.
Search operations involving municipal rescue teams and emergency services remain ongoing in affected areas.
Disaster response teams have been deployed across affected communities to conduct rescue operations and provide humanitarian relief.
Government departments are also offering counselling, relief supplies and logistical assistance to families affected by the disasters.
The National Disaster Management Centre has allocated R21 million in disaster recovery funding to four municipalities to assist with rebuilding efforts.
Officials say the province is now focusing on strengthening disaster preparedness ahead of winter by reviewing contingency plans, improving early warning systems and expanding fire prevention measures in high-risk communities.