Several people, including three children, have lost their lives following Wednesday night’s violent storms across KwaZulu-Natal. The eThekwini Municipality has confirmed multiple fatalities in the metro.
City spokesperson Gugu Sisilana reported that four people died in Folweni, KwaMakhutha, Demat, and Ensimbini after a wall collapsed while they were asleep. Meanwhile, rescue teams, including fire crews, recovered the bodies of a couple and another man after mudslides swept through their homes in KwaMakhutha and Adams. Their remains have been handed over to the police.
The heavy downpours have also caused widespread flooding, with Amanzimtoti, Morton, Clairwood, and Isipingo among the worst-hit areas.
As a safety measure, several beaches have been temporarily closed due to muddy water and pollution from flooded estuaries. Affected beaches include uMdloti, Isipingo, Pipeline, Toti Main, Warner, Winklespruit, and uMgababa. Authorities say the beaches will remain closed until conditions improve.