Six People Tragically Lose Their Lives in KZN as Heavy Rains Cause Fatal Mudslides and Building Collapses Across the Region

Severe weather conditions in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) have led to devastating consequences, with six lives lost due to deadly mudslides and other destructive events across the region.

The heavy rainfall caused major flooding, building collapses, and widespread damage, particularly in Durban and surrounding areas.

Six Lives Lost to the Storms

The tragic events unfolded throughout the week, with a couple being killed when their house collapsed in KwaMakhutha, located south of Durban, on Wednesday.

The KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, confirmed the heart-wrenching losses in an interview with Newzroom Afrika on February 20.

He expressed his deepest condolences to the affected families and shared more details about the impact.

Buthelezi shared, “We have lost six lives so far, particularly in areas like Umlazi, KwaMakhutha, and Isipingo.

Some of the victims include a family of three who tragically died when their house collapsed on them, and a young child was swept away by a river in Eshowe.”

Mudslides Bury Families Under Debris

The impact of the storm was especially severe in some areas, with mudslides burying families under tons of debris.

Garrith Jamieson, spokesperson for ALS Paramedics, shared a video on their Facebook page, detailing the heartbreaking scenes.

“In one case, a bank of sand collapsed into a home where a family of four was inside.

While the children managed to escape, both parents were tragically trapped under the rubble,” Jamieson explained.

“We are on the scene, working alongside the South African Police Service (SAPS) and fire rescue teams, attempting to save those who are still trapped.”

A Community in Crisis

The damage from these storms has left the community reeling, with residents struggling to cope with the loss and devastation.

As emergency services work around the clock, the situation remains dire, and the toll on the local population continues to rise.

How’s the Weather Where You Are?

If you’re in a different province, we’d love to hear how the weather has been in your area this week.

Share your experiences with us in the comments or through WhatsApp at 060 011 021 1.

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