Heavy rains that battered parts of KwaZulu-Natal over the weekend have resulted in tragedy for families living in the New Hanover area, where three people were swept away by rising floodwaters. By Monday morning, rescue teams confirmed that one body had been recovered while the search continued for the remaining two missing individuals.
The incident occurred in a low-lying informal settlement built along a flood-plain, an area that has historically been vulnerable to heavy rainfall and overflowing streams. Officials reported that the floods struck suddenly, washing away several structures and uprooting dozens of residents who had to flee for their lives in the early hours of Sunday.
A multi-departmental disaster-response team was immediately deployed to the area to assess the damage, search for missing persons, and assist affected families. This “roving team,” made up of disaster management officials, Human Settlements representatives and municipal authorities, worked throughout the night to determine the full extent of the flooding and coordinate emergency support.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, visited the area on Monday to brief local leaders and oversee relief operations. He met with Umshwathi Local Municipality Mayor Mandla Zondi and Ward 2 Councillor Sikhumbuzo Nxumalo to evaluate the needs of displaced residents and streamline the verification process for all affected families.
According to MEC Duma, approximately 100 people were displaced by the floods. A significant portion of those affected are foreign nationals who had been living in vulnerable makeshift dwellings constructed close to water channels. He expressed concern that the location of the settlement had heightened the risk during the heavy storms, pointing out that authorities had previously warned residents about the dangers of settling in flood-prone terrain.
Emergency shelter was opened at a nearby community hall, but many residents opted instead to stay with friends, family or neighbours rather than move into temporary accommodation. Nonetheless, officials said the hall remains available for anyone in need, and humanitarian support such as blankets, food and basic supplies is being provided for all verified residents.
Duma stated that provincial and national human-settlements departments are now working together on both immediate and long-term solutions. In partnership with the national Human Settlements Minister, efforts are underway to explore emergency housing options and implement better planning to reduce the risk of future disaster-related displacement.
While one body has been recovered, officials have not yet released the identity pending family confirmation. Search-and-rescue operations remain ongoing, with teams combing through riverbanks and debris-filled waterways in hopes of locating the two remaining missing persons.
The incident highlights the increasing vulnerability of low-income communities to extreme weather events, which have become more frequent in recent years. Authorities have urged residents living near rivers, wetlands and flood-plains to remain vigilant as rainfall continues in several parts of the province.
As recovery efforts continue, provincial leadership has assured the public that every available resource is being mobilised to support families affected by the floods, restore safety in the area and prevent further loss of life.
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