Deadly mudslides and widespread flooding have sparked emergency responses across multiple South African provinces, with authorities warning of more severe weather to come.
DURBAN, South Africa – Two people died when a mudslide crashed into a house in KwaMakhuta, southwest of Durban, on Thursday morning as heavy rains continued to pound South Africa’s eastern regions. Search and rescue teams are still searching for a third person, according to ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson.
The incident occurred amid widespread storm damage across KwaZulu-Natal province, where downpours have wreaked havoc on infrastructure. “There were two incidents of structural damage in the same area,” Jamieson said in a statement.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an Orange Level 6 warning for disruptive rain over multiple provinces, including Gauteng, parts of North West, Free State, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo.
KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, warned of prolonged rainfall across seven districts. “We are receiving concerning weather reports affecting UMgungundlovu, Amajuba, uThukela, eThekwini, Zululand, Ilembe and Umkhanyakude,” he said.
The severe weather has already impacted transportation across the country. In Mpumalanga, a bus carrying American tourists to Kruger National Park overturned on the R540 Road, injuring 18 passengers. Seventeen tourists are receiving treatment at a Belfast hospital.
In another incident, eight students were injured when a minibus taxi collided with a sedan on the N4 between Emalahleni and Vosman. One student remains in critical condition.
The North West province has closed the R510 road between Monakato and Mogwase due to the overflowing Kgetleng River. Officials have urged motorists to use the R565 Sun City/Ledig road as an alternative route.
Weather warnings remain in effect across the country:
Orange Level 6 warning for disruptive rain over five provinces
Yellow Level 2 warning for flooding in parts of North West, Free State, and Mpumalanga
Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms in the Northern Cape
Yellow Level 4 warning for disruptive rain along KZN coastal areas
Yellow Level 1 warning for damaging winds between Algoa Bay and Coffee Bay
Local authorities continue to monitor the situation and urge residents to exercise extreme caution during these severe weather conditions.
