In a heartbreaking incident north of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, a woman and a four-year-old child lost their lives when their home collapsed during a severe storm on Saturday evening. 

The wooden and iron structure, located on the riverbank in the Zwelisha community, crumbled while the occupants were asleep, marking a devastating tragedy amid the ongoing heavy rains.

Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa), a local private security and emergency response company, responded to the scene. Community members, initially attempting to locate the victims, sought assistance from Rusa when they were unsuccessful. Upon arrival, Rusa, alongside Verulam SAPS, discovered the lifeless bodies of the woman and her grandson amidst the debris.

The incident underscores the dangers posed by the current weather conditions in KwaZulu-Natal. The province has been grappling with torrential downpours, prompting warnings from the Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) department about flooded bridges in Maphumulo Local Municipality and Mariannhill.

As authorities work tirelessly to mitigate damages and evacuate vulnerable communities, the tragic toll of the storm is evident. The latest statistics reveal that 40 people have lost their lives due to the inclement weather during the festive period and into the new year.

Emergency response teams, such as IPSS Medical Rescue and Emer-G-Med, have been actively involved in rescuing individuals trapped in houses and cars. Fortunately, in Tongaat, a river flooding incident resulted in people being stuck in precarious situations, but no fatalities were reported.

As we reflect on this devastating event, it is a poignant reminder of the vulnerability faced by communities during extreme weather events. The need for proactive measures, improved infrastructure, and swift emergency responses is evident. The tragic loss of lives emphasises the importance of community preparedness and government initiatives to address the impact of such natural disasters.

In conclusion, our thoughts go out to the affected families, and we urge collective efforts to ensure the safety and resilience of communities in the face of unpredictable weather patterns.

Source: IOL