Disaster teams deployed in northern KZN following severe storms

The municipality's Mduduzi Dlamini says areas that include Jozini, Hlabisa, and Umhlabuyalingana have been worst-hit by localised flooding.

He says the flooding of the access road near Jozini bridge has also been disrupting traffic.

Parents are also being urged to keep a close eye on children that walk to and from school.

"Jozini and Hlabisa schools have been affected mostly. We have advised that school children must not cross the rivers at this moment," Dlamini said. 

Dlamini says their joint operations committee together with various KZN departments are implementing disaster relief efforts. 

"We have at least supplied more than five households with tents, blankets, stoves and gas. The Department of Social Development will today supply food and the like to ensure people are catered for. If it is pressing, we will remove people from their homestead to their nearest hall in order to deal with this issue," he said.

Richards Bay, Empangeni and Mthunzini have also experienced heavy rainfall. 

So far, officials have confirmed one fatality. 

Co-operative Governance spokesperson in KZN, Msawakhe Mayisela says a young girl drowned while trying to cross a stream on her way home from school yesterday.

"There are certain areas that are not accessible because of flooding. Certain roads have been closed and a number of bridges remain submerged. We have dispatched our disaster management teams and we continue to monitor the situation," he said. 

The South African Weather Service says rainfall has been forecast in the region until Thursday.

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