'Never seen destruction like this in my life' – rescuers reflect as KZN marks month since floods

KwaZulu-Natal continues to pick up the pieces a month after heavy rains and subsequent floods left a trail of destruction.

The disaster has claimed over 400 lives. Dozens more are still missing.

Rescuers have been continuing their recovery operations.

Newswatch caught up with two police search and rescue officials to find out how the past month has been for them.

Sergeant Clinton Odayar of the Umhlali K9 Unit has been to multiple rescues, along with his canine Dante. 

Odayar says he's never seen such destruction and loss of life in his entire career.

"It has been challenging trying to bring closure to many families and trying to attend to multiple cases at the same time. In my personal life it's taken a toll as well."

READ: Rescue teams vow not to give up search for missing people

"The only life I have right now is my work life, my family is understanding of this. I leave home when they are asleep, I get home when they are asleep. I am glad to have a family that understands this and supports what I do. We have a passion and calling to do what we have to do, we are here to bring closure to families."

Warrant Officer Tinalia Gouws left her home and family in Mpumalanga province and came to KZN to help in the searches.

She says knowing that there are people who are still missing worries them.

"My husband is my support system. It's hard, we are both looking forward to the day of going home. Every day we go out, you wish to find and assist. I think the worst feeling of all is finishing up here and going home knowing that there are still people unaccounted for."

Provincial officials say at least 63 people have still not been found, most of them in eThekwini. 

Search missions have been launched daily from Virginia Airport in the hope of bringing closure to families.