KWAZULU-NATAL – One person has died and two others remain missing after severe storms and flash flooding struck KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday afternoon and evening, causing widespread devastation across the province.
The tragic incidents occurred in the New Hanover and areas, where three people were swept away by raging floodwaters. Search and rescue teams have recovered one victim, a 40-year-old woman, and continue their desperate search for the remaining two missing persons.
Lifesaving South Africa confirmed the casualties in a statement released Sunday, extending condolences to affected families and communities while praising ongoing rescue efforts.
“We welcome the efforts of search and rescue teams who have recovered one victim and continue searching for two others reported missing in the New Hanover area,” said Winston Meyer, President of Lifesaving South Africa.
Widespread infrastructure damage
The extreme rainfall has caused severe damage to homes, roads, and bridges throughout parts of KwaZulu-Natal, with multiple search and rescue operations currently underway. Local disaster management teams are coordinating response efforts as communities assess the full extent of the destruction.
Emergency services have issued urgent safety guidance, warning residents not to cross swollen rivers, stay away from low-lying and flooded areas, and follow instructions from local disaster management teams.
WATCH:
The South African Weather Service has issued impact-based warnings for severe thunderstorms, heavy downpours, hail, and damaging winds across several provinces this week. KwaZulu-Natal remains on high alert for further heavy rain and strong winds over the coming days, raising concerns about additional flooding risks.
Meanwhile, the Western Cape faces contrasting weather challenges, with heat advisories issued for very hot conditions expected Tuesday, 26 November. Daytime temperatures are forecast to reach the mid-to-high 30s in affected districts, prompting health warnings about prolonged sun exposure.
Calls for improved preparedness
Lifesaving South Africa has used the tragedy to renew calls for enhanced disaster preparedness measures, urging authorities to improve early warning systems and ensure timely, accessible alerts reach vulnerable communities.
The organisation also stated the need to prevent informal settlement encroachment on floodplains and low-lying riverbanks through coordinated planning and relocation support, while scaling up community preparedness and evacuation planning for those in high-risk areas.
“We stand ready to work with national and provincial disaster management departments, local municipalities and community organisations to roll out preventative measures, public education and lifesaving training to reduce future loss of life and property,” Meyer stated.
Local disaster management teams continue to monitor the situation closely as weather conditions remain unstable across the region. The South African Weather Service and local emergency services are providing regular updates on weather warnings and safety instructions.
