Mapaballo Borotho
- An emergency housing team has been deployed to assist hundreds of people who have been left homeless after severe floods in the Umshwati Local Municipality.
- One person has been confirmed dead, while search operations continue for two others swept away by floodwaters.
- Authorities warn residents against building on flood-prone land as assessments continue to determine long-term interventions.
Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has deployed an emergency housing team to work with KwaZulu-Natal officials in assisting families affected by devastating floods in the Umshwati Local Municipality.
The heavy weekend rains destroyed homes and damaged infrastructure, leaving scores of residents displaced.
A preliminary assessment shows that around 400 people have been affected, including nearly 200 children and 163 women.
Three people were swept away by the heavy rains, however one body has since been recovered.
Search and rescue operations are still underway.
Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma confirmed that many of the victims are foreign nationals from Lesotho, with some hesitant to speak to authorities due to their undocumented status.
It was also confirmed that the damaged structures were built on flood-prone land.
Minister Simelane said a full assessment is underway to determine the required interventions.
“There are four categories of emergency housing interventions: restoration, relocation, rebuilding, and repairs. Should relocation be necessary, the municipality will need to identify suitable land for settlement,” she explained.
The Minister conveyed condolences to the family of the deceased and urged communities to avoid building structures on flood lines or areas prone to flooding.
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