A powerful thunderstorm has wreaked havoc across parts of KwaZulu-Natal, triggering widespread flooding and an emergency response in the Midlands region. Provincial transport authorities say at least three people were swept away by fast-rising waters in the uMshwathi Local Municipality on Sunday night, with several residents still unaccounted for.
Homes, roads and bridges suffered extensive damage as heavy rains pounded communities in New Hanover, Dalton and surrounding areas. Some neighbourhoods have been left completely isolated after key routes were washed away.
The Department of Transport confirmed that distress calls poured in from multiple communities as the storm intensified. MEC Siboniso Duma is expected to join disaster teams on Monday morning to assess the extent of the destruction.
KwaZulu-Natal remains under a weather advisory, now downgraded to a Yellow Level 4 alert. Severe thunderstorms accompanied by heavy downpours, damaging winds, intense lightning and hail are forecast to continue affecting north-western parts of the province. Authorities warn that the conditions could still result in flash flooding and pose significant risks to life and infrastructure.
KZN Cooperative Governance spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila said New Hanover bore the brunt of the storm, with reports of damaged homes, blocked roads and communities cut off from emergency support.
“Disaster teams are working around the clock to respond to several incidents across the broader uMgungundlovu district as a result of the severe weather,” Mzila said. Assessments will begin once conditions are safe enough for teams to move in.
Human Settlements and Transport spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya said the Road Traffic Inspectorate has implemented a traffic management plan to prevent congestion along the N3 and N2, urging the freight industry to cooperate with escorts and road controls.
“Many communities have been isolated as roads and bridges have been flooded or washed away,” Sibiya said. “Our focus is on short-term housing solutions for displaced families, while RTI teams work flat out to ensure motorists’ safety and oversee necessary road closures.”
Disaster response teams remain on high alert as the province braces for another day of volatile weather.