Vanitha Jeawon, among the latest victims of the floods in Durban, has been described as a wonderful person who went out of her way to help others.

Jeawon, 54, a pharmacist, died when her car was swept into a river during the storm on Thursday evening.

She was travelling from work in Hillcrest to her Moseley Park home Pinetown when her vehicle got submerged in a river near Sarnia.

Her body was found by rescuers on Friday morning and her mangled car was recovered from near Gordon Road, about 3km from where rescuers searched hours before.

Sim Bhengu, Jeawon's colleague said the mother of twin daughters was a lovely person and always had a smile.

"Everyone's devastated and heartbroken by what has happened. It is unbelievable. Vanitha was a lovely person who was kind to all her patients. She was always willing to listen to all her patients' problems. She went beyond her job of being a pharmacist to being their friend.

"Her passing is a huge loss. It is unbelievable. She was a colleague, friend and mother to us. As a trainee, Vanitha was always willing to teach, assist and guide me, as she had experience in the industry," said Bhengu.

Joan Harvey Chapman, who got to know Jeawon as one of the pharmacists at the Clicks Lillies Quarter in Hillcrest, said they became friends.

"She was never rude to me or any customers. She was only gentle and kind and always would go out of her way if she saw me in Clicks to come and tell me how nice I looked or just to say hello. I am gutted and cannot believe she has gone.

"She spoke so highly of her twin girls. We spoke a lot about my girls who are actually my grandchildren and were fascinated how close we were. When we first met she thought I was their mom. She seemed to have a solid relationship with her mom too. I am going to miss her terribly and I am in disbelief still," said Chapman.

Another victim, a 21- year-old woman, whose identity was not released by police was recovered from a river in Molweni on Saturday. The eThekwini Municipality's search and rescue team was called out to the scene.

The heavy rains battered the province on Thursday, causing extensive flooding and mudslides.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli extended his condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives during the recent heavy rains.

“It is with a heavy heart that we learned of the devastating heavy rains that have once again impacted our province, resulting in the loss of lives and widespread damage. The loss of life is always a profound tragedy, and we share in your grief. We are committed to providing the necessary support to affected families and communities as we work together to recover from this disaster. Our disaster management teams, alongside municipalities and other stakeholders, are on the ground to assist those in need and to assess the extent of the damage,” said Ntuli.

He urged residents to exercise extreme caution.

“Please avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges, or rivers, and do not attempt to drive through submerged areas. The power of water during heavy rains is unpredictable and can be deadly," said Ntuli.

Ntuli will visit the families of flood victims in Pinetown and Lamontville on Sunday to ensure they receive urgent assistance.

Jeawon's funeral will take place on Sunday at the Clare Estate Crematorium.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE

#kzn

Hillcrest pharmacist among victims claimed in KZN storm