uMshwathi community finds closure as all flood victims are recovered
Closure for uMshwathi: All three flood victims recovered as community and rescue teams unite in grief.
Image: File: KZN Cogta
DISASTER management teams have found the bodies of the two people who went missing during the devastating floods in the uMshwathi Local Municipality.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi announced the development following i the ongoing search and recovery operations.
The floods, which struck on Sunday, November 23, destroyed homes and swept away three people.
A body was recovered shortly after the incident, leaving two individuals unaccounted for.
In the early hours of Wednesday, December 3, disaster management teams discovered the remaining two bodies in the affected area.
"A thorough identification process will follow in collaboration with the families," says MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi.
Buthelezi said that the discovery comes after a concerted effort by the local community working hand-in-hand with disaster management teams. With all three victims now accounted for, the community can begin to find closure.
“These developments bring us closer to closing a very painful chapter for the New Hanover community in uMshwathi, which lost three lives due to severe weather conditions,” said MEC Buthelezi.
He added that senior officials from the Provincial Disaster Management Centre have been dispatched to oversee the recovery process, ensuring it is carried out with dignity. Reverend Buthelezi also extended his condolences to the bereaved families.
“We commend the brave and tireless work of the community together with the search and rescue teams,” the MEC said.
“Our focus now is on supporting the families through this final, difficult stage and ensuring a respectful recovery of the victims.”
The department, in partnership with the municipality, is providing ongoing support and assistance to the families affected by the tragedy.