Two people have died following a mudslide in KwaMakhuta, southwest of Durban, as heavy rains continue to batter parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
UPDATE: KZN authorities have confirmed that thus far, the death toll has risen to six, with several beaches closed across the province as rescue operations continue.
Severe weather claims two lives in Durban
Torrential downpours over the last 24 hours have led to flooding, infrastructure damage, and road closures, with emergency teams working around the clock to respond to multiple incidents.
Authorities confirmed the fatalities on Thursday morning after a mudslide engulfed a home in KwaMakhuta.
Rescue teams managed to reach the scene, but the victims succumbed to their injuries before they could be pulled from the debris. Search-and-rescue efforts are ongoing in other affected areas, with reports of additional structural collapses.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued an orange level 5 warning for disruptive rainfall on Wednesday, cautioning that localised flooding of roads, bridges, and low-lying areas was expected.
Emergency responders have urged residents to remain indoors where possible and avoid travelling in hazardous conditions.
Several homes and businesses between Isipingo and Winklespruit, located south of Durban, were inundated as water levels rose overnight.
The N2 highway near the old airport was rendered impassable due to severe flooding, leaving some motorists stranded.
Businesses in Amanzimtoti CBD, along with residential areas near Crab City and Prospecton, were also affected by high water levels, per reports from Times Live.
Emergency medical services, including ALS Paramedics, were dispatched to the R603 Makaka area near Winklespruit, where reports emerged of multiple homes collapsing, trapping residents inside.
Rescuers are working to locate and assist those affected as emergency shelters are being set up for displaced families.
What’s the latest in hard-hit regions?
Heavy rainfall has disrupted daily life in several parts of KwaZulu-Natal, forcing school closures and damaging road infrastructure. Amanzimtoti councillor Andre Beetge confirmed that the extreme weather had impacted dozens of residents, with teams from the neighbourhood watch and CPF assisting families affected by mudslides and fallen debris.
“There was heavy rain overnight and again at about [03:00]. Teams have been working since early morning to help residents trapped by mudslides and remove fallen trees,” Beetge said.
He also confirmed that Amanzimtoti Primary and Kuswag schools were among those that had to close on Thursday due to unsafe conditions.
While conditions showed signs of clearing by Thursday morning, authorities have warned that prolonged rainfall is still expected across several regions, including eThekwini, uMgungundlovu, Amajuba, uThukela, Zululand, iLembe, and uMkhanyakude.
The KwaZulu-Natal provincial transport department has urged motorists to exercise extreme caution, particularly on highways and bridges.
“We are requesting motorists to be extra careful on the roads. Roads are slippery, and there have already been reports of vehicles stalling in high water. School transport operators need to be especially cautious,” the department said in a statement.
The North West Department of Education has also warned parents and scholar transport operators about the dangers of travelling in severe weather, advising against sending children to school in affected areas.
Officials have urged parents to monitor weather updates and ensure their children stay away from running water or flooded areas.
Authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage, with disaster management teams deployed to the hardest-hit areas.
