Families in KwaZulu-Natal are anxiously awaiting information about loved ones reported missing following devastating flash floods in Nepal.
Among those unaccounted for are Ladysmith residents Surendranath Maharaj, Anitha Devi Maharaj, Vivaganthan Pillay and Janett Pillay.
Other South Africans reported missing is 33-year-old Terricia Govender from Isipingo Beach and Bavila Ramjee, a 43-year-old woman from East London
The families of the missing Ladysmith residents have appealed for privacy as they wait for updates on the whereabouts of their loved ones. Meanwhile, members of the Ladysmith community have rallied behind the families, offering prayers, messages of support and words of encouragement.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma expressed solidarity with the affected families, describing the situation as an extremely difficult period.
Duma called on the people of the province to pray for the families of the KZN residents who disappeared in the floods.
“First and foremost, as the people of KwaZulu-Natal, we must pray for the families of six KZN residents, from Isipingo and Ladysmith, who disappeared following devastating floods in Nepal,” Duma said.
He acknowledged the profound trauma facing the families and said the emotional impact of the ordeal could take years to overcome.
Duma said he hoped assistance from KwaZulu-Natal residents, non-governmental organisations and the South African government would provide the families with support during the crisis.
Duma said that, in his capacity as leader of government business, he had instructed officials to work with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to ensure that communication with the affected families remains open.
“We are hopeful that the support being offered by the people of KwaZulu-Natal, non-governmental organisations and the South African government will give them enough strength and courage to tide over this storm,” he said.
The flash floods struck the Bhote Koshi River area in Rasuwa, Nepal, on Wednesday, 26 August, after a sudden surge in water levels.
The disaster affected communities along the Nepal-China border, resulting in deaths, widespread destruction and hundreds of people being reported missing.
As search and rescue operations continue, families in KwaZulu-Natal remain hopeful for news of their loved ones, while communities in Ladysmith and Isipingo continue to offer support during the uncertain and distressing period.