Mudslides and damage to structures claim 6 lives as extreme weather hits Durban

702 and CapeTalk’s Africa Melane speaks to Senzelwe Mzila, a spokesperson for the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department. 

Listen below:

The KZN government confirmed six people have died as a result of severe weather in the province.

Heavy downpours hit the coast overnight, flooding most areas south of Durban. 

Several roads were flooded and structures were damaged.

People were caught in mudslides and major structural collapses.

“Our teams are continuing to be on the ground, responding to these incidents that have occurred across large areas within the eThekwini metro.”

– Senzelwe Mzila, Spokesperson – KZN COGTA

“The amount of rain that we have been receiving is very concerning… we are potentially looking at the amount of rain that we received last time when we had that tragic incident where we lost about 400 lives in the province.”

– Senzelwe Mzila, spokesperson – KZN COGTA

Residents are encouraged to be vigilant and not take any risks.   

“Be alert at all times. Be aware of the weather conditions that one is facing, especially if one is embarking on any journey… Information is power and information can save lives.” 

– Senzelwe Mzila, Spokesperson – KZN COGTA

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the discussion.