Five Missing After Being Swept Away By Floodwaters In KZN

Five people, including three children, are feared to have been missing in floodwaters in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) following heavy rainfall that battered the province.

Whereas, the incident occurred on Tuesday night in Lamontville, near Umlazi, south of Durban. ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson confirmed that emergency services responded to the scene on Gwala Street early Wednesday morning.

“Torrential rain and flooding have left a trail of destruction. Five people are believed to have been washed into the canal,” Jamieson said.

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Despite an extensive search by paramedics, Durban Metro Police, Durban Search and Rescue, and the eThekwini Fire Department, efforts were halted due to hazardous terrain and poor lighting.

“The search has been called off due to dangerous conditions. A joint decision was made for all units to return at first light to resume the search for the missing individuals,” Jamieson added.

This comes just a week after heavy rains triggered deadly mudslides and structural collapses across KZN, resulting in six fatalities and extensive property damage. Among those who lost their lives were two parents trapped in their home.

South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued multiple weather alerts, warning of ongoing extreme conditions across the country.

However, a yellow Level 1 warning was issued for damaging winds affecting navigation at sea between Table Bay and Plettenberg Bay in the Western Cape, as well as along the north coast of KZN.

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In KZN and parts of the Eastern Cape, SAWS cautioned about disruptive rainfall, which could lead to localized flooding in formal and informal settlements, road closures, and potential infrastructure damage, particularly between Port St. Johns and Port Edward.

Emergency services remain on high alert as rescue teams prepare to resume search efforts for the missing individuals.

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