LOOK: KZN residents asked to stay home amid storms, flooding

Emergency first responders who have been working throughout the night are battling to cope.

They say they have had to rescue motorists who became trapped after trying to make their way through flooded roads. 

IPSS Medical Rescue spokesperson, Dylan Meyrick says driving through submerged roads puts the lives of drivers, their passengers and emergency teams in danger. 

READ: More weather-related incidents reported across KZN

"Stay at home. If they have to drive, they must stay out of moving water."

He says there are a number of no-go zones on the KZN north coast. 

"The N2 northbound is closed completely at the Umhlali River bridge. R102 is also closed at Umhlali River, so there are no ways to go north towards Richard's Bay."

Garrith Jameison, who's with ALS Paramedics, says they've been assisting a family in Bonela.

A sandbank collapsed and buried their home, leaving the family of four trapped inside.

"A family of a mother, father and two daughters were inside at the time. Fortunately, the father managed to escape however, the mother and the two daughters are missing currently.

"Teams are standing by to wait for SAPS Search and Rescue to come and assist as well as disaster management.

In Verulam a family of seven was rescued from a home that collapsed.

Paul Herbst from Medi Response says they were treated for hypothermia.

"The water levels rose just below the roof. Five adults to kids and two dogs were rescued."