Devastating Jozini floods force 158 KZN families from homes with more rain forecast
The KwaZulu-Natal MEC of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Thulasizwe Buthelezi flanked by the mayor of Jozini Local Municipality Sicelo Myeni on the left and the mayor of uMkhanyakude District Municipality Sphile Mdaka on the right, assessing the damage caused by heavy floods in Jozini, north of KwaZulu-Natal.
Image: SUPPLIED
About 158 families have been affected by severe flooding in Jozini, north of KwaZulu-Natal. This was revealed on Tuesday by KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, following a visit to the affected villages.
Buthelezi was accompanied by uMkhanyakude District Municipality Mayor Siphile Mdaka and Jozini Local Municipality Mayor Sicelo Myeni. During the visit, the MEC extended support to affected families, including the provision of food parcels and emergency services.
According to Buthelezi, approximately 80 families suffered damage to their homes, while key infrastructure such as roads was also severely affected by the floods.
“We are grateful that no lives were lost and that no one was injured during the floods in this area,” said Buthelezi.
He also referred to the plight of the Nhlengethwa family, whose home was widely shared on social media after it was completely submerged, with only the roof and the upper parts of its walls visible above the water.
“Maningi Nhlengethwa and her three children narrowly escaped drowning,” said Buthelezi. He added that the family lost all their belongings and are currently sheltering with relatives.
The damage to the infrastructure especially roads caused by the flooding in Jozini, north of KwaZulu-Natal. The residents have been warned to be more vigilant as more rain is forecast.
Image: SUPPLIED
The MEC said the Department of Human Settlements is assessing the extent of the damage and will begin a process to relocate affected families to temporary accommodation.
Buthelezi welcomed the announcement by the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) declaring the Jozini floods a national disaster, saying this would enable all three spheres of government to work together to deliver much-needed assistance.
He also thanked disaster management teams for their tireless efforts in providing aid, warning communities of impending danger and evacuating residents to safer areas when necessary.
The MEC urged residents to remain vigilant, as further rainfall is forecast in the coming days. Some displaced families are currently sheltering in local schools, resulting in the suspension of teaching and learning at those schools.