South African authorities are grappling with the aftermath of heavy rains that lashed KwaZulu-Natal Province on Sunday, leaving a trail of devastation and uncertainty.
The deluge triggered the Bellspruit River to burst its banks, sending torrents of water surging onto the N11 road near Ladysmith town. This tragic event claimed six lives and left ten people desperately missing, sparking a frantic search and rescue operation.
The floodwaters wreaked havoc, tearing through a nearby household and sweeping away three family members. Heartbreakingly, one member was found deceased, while the other two remain unaccounted for, clinging to the hope of a possible rescue.
The N11 road became a treacherous path, with three vehicles succumbing to the raging currents. A two-occupant car was tragically swept away, leaving one dead and the other missing.
A double cab carrying nine passengers met a similar fate, with three succumbing to the flood’s fury while the remaining six vanished into the churning waters.
Adding to the grim toll, a light bakkie with two passengers was also swept away. One occupant was found deceased, while the search for the other continues relentlessly.
The provincial Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs is spearheading the search and rescue efforts, deploying teams to scour the flooded areas and locate the missing individuals.
The department confirmed the ongoing operation in a statement, acknowledging the devastating impact of the floods and expressing their commitment to finding those lost.
This tragedy highlights the vulnerability of communities living near rivers and in flood-prone areas. As the search for the missing continues, KwaZulu-Natal grapples with the immense loss of life and the agonizing uncertainty for families awaiting news of their loved ones.
The coming hours and days will be crucial, as rescue efforts intensify and the province strives to recover from this devastating natural disaster.
