Search for KZN Flood Victims Continues as Climate Change Concerns Mount
Natalie Nyathi
The search for two people washed away by floods in New Hanover is now in its third day. Heavy rains on Sunday caused extensive damage, displacing families and raising concerns about disaster readiness in light of climate change.
Rescue teams are working hard to find the missing individuals, a man and a woman, despite difficult conditions. Drones are being used to assist in the search. The body of a woman was recovered on Monday from a river a few kilometers downstream, having been trapped under a tree.
The flooding has severely affected the uMshwathi Local Municipality and the wider uMgungundlovu District. Around 100 homes were lost in New Hanover. Many families are displaced, having lost their homes and belongings. Relief efforts are underway, with shelters, food, and essential services provided at community halls and a local school.
The KwaZulu-Natal Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department is managing the disaster response. MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi has visited the affected areas, stressing the importance of saving lives and ensuring a safe environment for all victims, regardless of nationality.
Organizations like the Al-Imdaad Foundation and Gift of the Givers are assisting with rescue and relief efforts. The Department of Transport and Human Settlements is working to secure temporary housing for those displaced.
Some relief efforts are facing challenges, as some foreign nationals are hesitant to seek help due to verification processes. MEC Siboniso Duma has committed to making sure that no one is overlooked.
To address these risks, several initiatives are in place.
As the search for the missing individuals continues, efforts are focused on providing immediate assistance to those affected and building long-term resilience against climate change impacts. This disaster serves as a reminder of the urgent need for steps to protect communities and infrastructure from the growing challenges posed by a changing climate.
