A devastating mudslide has claimed the lives of a man and a woman in KwaMakhutha, south of Durban, after it swept through their home early Thursday morning. Emergency services report that the collapse was caused by heavy downpours overnight.
The eThekwini Fire Department, along with other officials, responded promptly to the scene. According to ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson, the family was inside the home when the disaster struck. "It is believed that a mother, father, and their children were staying at the residence," Jamieson explained. "We understand the children managed to escape and are currently at a neighbor’s house."
Search and rescue teams are now working to access the site and retrieve the trapped individuals. "We are preparing to dig into the debris to reach those potentially still trapped inside. We are awaiting additional resources and heavy-duty equipment to assist with the excavation," Jamieson added.
In addition to the tragic loss of the two lives, emergency responders have been alerted to another individual trapped in their home in Adams, approximately nine kilometers away. Crews are making efforts to break through the rubble in hopes of locating the missing person.
As the rescue operation continues, officials urge caution and further support for the affected communities.