By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Kwazulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has confirmed that at least six people lost their lives while 10 others still missing after flash floods hit Ladysmith on Christmas Eve.
On Monday night, search and rescue operations conducted by disaster management teams and SAPS recovered a sixth person.
Heavy rains hit the area on Christmas Eve, leaving some community members destitute and several vehicles were swept away.
KZN department of cooperative governance and traditional affairs said search and rescue teams who worked on Christmas day to find those missing, will resume on Tuesday,
Heavy rains on December 24 resulted in the Bellspruit River, which runs under the Mbonontathu bridge, to burst its banks, causing water to overflow onto the N11 road near the Limit Hill robots, in Ladysmith town.
Cogta said one household located near a caravan park was completely destroyed, resulting in three family members being swept away. During the search and rescue operation, one family member was found dead, while two others are still missing.
Cogta said its disaster management team, together with SAPS K9, Al-Imdaad Foundation Disaster Response and IPSS Medical Rescue, provided disaster relief, including hygiene packs, mattresses and blankets to those in need.
Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Nomusa Dube-Ncube has sent condolences to the families of those affected by the floods in Ladysmith.
“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of victims who lost their lives,” said the Premier.
The SA Weather Service has warned that KwaZulu-Natal will bear the brunt of the inclement weather conditions sweeping across part of the country.