Bodies of two KZN flood victims recovered in New Hanover, all residents now accounted for

The bodies of two residents have been recovered in New Hanover, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), after they were swept away during last week’s devastating floods.

Recovery efforts have continued for more than a week since parts of the Midlands were hit by extreme weather conditions.

Authorities said more than a dozen homes were destroyed by the floods.

The body of one other victim was retrieved from the debris in the aftermath of the storm.

KZN Transport and Human Settlements spokesperson, Ndabezinhle Sibiya, said MEC Siboniso Duma received the latest report on recovery efforts on Wednesday, with all residents now accounted for.

Sibiya said the displaced families are being assisted.

“There was a meeting which reflected the interventions. He [Duma] has indicated that close to 19 homes that were destroyed by floods and the recent hailstorm in New Hanover will receive our assistance as a matter of urgency.”

Sibiya said interventions are also being put in place to protect residents from future disasters.

“We have agreed that landlords who built houses along the riverbank will no longer be allowed to rent out their places. Tenants will look for safe alternative places to rent. People who live in both mud and block houses, not built by government, will be given temporary residential units and their houses will be demolished.”