South Africa : Four dead, many injured in KZN storm

By Edwin Tshivhidzo, tel: (012) 314-2454

Durban - A violent storm which struck near Durban on Saturday night has left four people dead and scores more without shelter.

Search and rescue teams were on Sunday still searching for people who were feared to have been washed away by the storms in the affected areas of Kwamakhutha, Umbumbulu, Hambayi and Inanda.

Flooding in these area have left many houses and roads damaged.

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial and Local Government spokesperson Lenox Mabasa told BuaNews that displaced families have been accommodated in nearby community halls.

"We are providing all the affected families with blankets, tents and with other necessities. Our search and rescue teams are continuing with their search for missing people," said Mr Mabasa.

It is not yet known as to how much damage caused by the storm as the disaster management teams were still assessing the situation. It is also believed that the number of victims could rise as there are that are still missing.

The South African Weather Services (SAWS) has cautioned that rain will continue to pour in most parts of the province.

SAWS spokesperson Wiseman Dlamini told BuaNews that the situation will only improve on Tuesday.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Local Government Mike Mabuyakhulu has sent condolences to the families who lost their beloved ones due to the storm. - BuaNews