KZN Flood Recovery Advances as Final Victims Identified and Homes Assessed

Duma commended Minister Simelane for acting swiftly to accelerate relief efforts and ensure vulnerable residents receive prompt support.

Authorities in KwaZulu-Natal have confirmed that the two remaining bodies of residents swept away by devastating floods in New Hanover have been identified, bringing closure to all known missing-person cases. Recovery, humanitarian relief and infrastructure assessments are now intensifying across affected communities.

KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma said the confirmation came from Umshwathi Local Municipality Mayor Mandla Zondi, Ward 02 Councillor Sikhumbuzo Nxumalo, and the uMgungundlovu Disaster Management Team. All victims reported missing in the incident have now been recovered.

Human Settlements Intensifies On-the-Ground Support

Providing an update following Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane’s oversight visit, Duma said the department’s roving teams have been deployed to strengthen coordination with municipal and disaster teams. These teams are assisting families, documenting damage, and guiding emergency housing interventions.

Duma expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and affirmed that government support remains ongoing.

Nearly 19 Homes Destroyed — Emergency Housing to Be Provided

The MEC confirmed that approximately 19 homes were destroyed by the floods and subsequent hailstorm. The department will urgently assist affected households through:

• Provision of Temporary Residential Units (TRUs) for families living in unsafe structures

• Demolition of compromised mud and block houses (non-state built) to prevent future tragedies

• Prohibiting landlords who built houses along the riverbank from continuing to rent them out

• Supporting tenants displaced from unsafe riverbank dwellings to find safer alternative accommodation

Duma commended Minister Simelane for acting swiftly to accelerate relief efforts and ensure vulnerable residents receive prompt support.

Possible Relocation of Government Housing Beneficiaries

Four families residing in government-built houses may need to be relocated due to environmental risks. However, policy constraints prevent households from receiving state housing assistance twice. Engineers will evaluate these homes to determine the safest and most compliant outcome.

Engineers are also assessing homes away from the riverbank that are repeatedly affected by heavy rains and flood runoff, to identify long-term mitigation and relocation needs.

Storm Damage Across Municipalities Under Review

After another storm hit the province on Tuesday night, roving teams reported additional damage across multiple district municipalities. Information is being consolidated as disaster management officials work to ensure all affected households are accounted for and supported.

“No one is left behind,” Duma assured.

Transport and Road Safety Measures Strengthened

On transport-related challenges, the MEC said the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) continues to monitor road conditions and maintain motorist safety. Provincial engineers are inspecting road infrastructure, and certain routes may be closed if structural risks are detected.

Duma urged motorists to exercise caution:

• Maintain safe following distances

• Reduce speed during wet and unstable weather

• Avoid flooded roads and damaged routes where possible

Government Reinforces Commitment to Community Safety

The provincial government reiterated its commitment to protecting vulnerable communities, rebuilding safe housing, improving local infrastructure, and reducing disaster risks through stricter settlement planning and ongoing environmental monitoring.