“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of victims who lost their lives due to the heavy rains on Christmas Eve that resulted in the Bellspuit river, which runs under the Mbonothu bridge, bursting its banks, causing water to overflow onto the N11 road near the Limit Hill robots, in Ladysmith Town,” said KwaZulu-Natal Premier Dube-Ncube, conveying condolence message to relatives of flood victims in Ladysmith.

 

The floods resulted in severe damage to infrastructure and several vehicles were swept away. Sadly, three family members were also swept away. During the search and rescue operation, one family member was found deceased, while the other two are still missing.

 

At the time of the incident, three vehicles were said to have been traveling on the N11 and were also swept away by raging water. According to the information gathered by our disaster teams, a double cab was carrying nine passengers. Three (3) of them were found deceased inside the vehicle, while the other six are still missing.

 

A light vehicle - Polo, was carrying two passengers, one person was discovered dead inside the vehicle while the other person remains missing. 

 

A light bakkie – Ford Bantam - was carrying two people who were also swept away by the floods.One person was found in the vehicle deceased and the other iss still missing.

 

“We are aware that teams from various departments have provided disaster relief, including hygiene packs, mattresses and blankets, to all those in need. 

Our emergency response teams are working tirelessly to provide assistance and we are committed to helping rebuild lives and communities. If there is anything specific that you and your family need, please do not hesitate to contact our disaster teams on the ground,” said Premier Dube-Ncube.

 

The Weather Bureau forecasts that thunderstorms are expected to persist in various areas of KwaStanley Road, including Ladysmith. According to the South African Weather Service, a level 2 alert has been issued.

 

“We urge residents to exercise extreme caution during this time and to move away from areas that are prone to devastation by floods,” concluded Premier Dube-Ncube.