Three people are missing after their vehicle was swept away by floodwaters in Amanzimtoti, south of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, following heavy rain last night. The incident has sparked a search and rescue operation, with two people managing to escape the wreckage and water.
KZN HEAVY RAIN
The areas of KwaZulu-Natal, particularly Margate, have experienced severe flooding, prompting emergency services and local disaster management teams to respond. Garrith Jamieson, spokesperson for a private paramedics service, confirmed the missing persons and stated that two people had escaped.
Search teams are utilizing drone technology to locate the missing individuals, while disaster management personnel are on-site assessing the damage. The flooding has caused significant disruption, with roads submerged and traffic disrupted in several parts of Margate.
Residents have been urged to exercise caution and avoid flooded roads and crossings. The South African Weather Service had issued alerts for heavy rain and flooding, and authorities are monitoring the situation closely.
The incident highlights the vulnerability of the region to extreme weather events, with previous floods in KwaZulu-Natal causing significant damage and loss of life. In 2022, over 400 people died in flooding in and around Durban.
Emergency Personnel
Emergency services are working tirelessly to search for the missing individuals, and authorities are providing support to affected families. The full extent of the damage is not yet known, but officials are conducting comprehensive assessments.
The province has implemented a multi-sectoral relief plan to provide immediate humanitarian assistance, including essential supplies and short-term housing solutions. The plan aims to address the immediate needs of displaced families.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has expressed condolences to the families of the missing and urged the public to exercise caution.
The search and rescue operation is ongoing, with teams working around the clock to locate the missing individuals. Authorities are appealing for residents to report any missing persons to facilitate the search efforts.
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