The body of Pinetown woman was recovered from a river in Durban, after her vehicle was swept away by raging floodwaters in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday evening, 13 March.
PINETOWN WOMAN DROWNS
The SABC confirms that the woman who is in her fifties died after her vehicle was swept off a bridge by floods in Durban this week.
Her vehicle was washed on Sarnia Road in Pinetown, Durban during the torrential downpours.
It is believed the woman was swept away on her way home from work on Thursday evening.
Advanced Life Support paramedics’ spokesperson Garrith Jamieson confirms that her vehicle was found just off Gordon Road around 2 to 3 this morning,14 March.
“The rescuers and the fire department were able to recover the vehicle. Unfortunately, there was a single occupant in this vehicle, a female believed to be in her 50s, who had sustained fatal injuries and was declared deceased by paramedics on the scene,” says Jamieson.
Jamieson adds that the damage to the woman’s car indicates the intensity of the floodwaters.
“We are currently on the scene as they are recovering the wreckage at the moment the damage to that vehicle has been torn apart as well as the river which has subsided substantially. But you can actually see how high this river went during the course of the storm last night,” he adds.
Jamieson also reveals that they expect more rains, and people are advised to take precautions.
“If you don’t need to travel, please stay home as many roads remain waterlogged and are strewn with debris,” Jamieson urged.
URGENT WARNING: KWAZULU-NATAL FLOODS
An urgent warning was issued for parts of KwaZulu-Natal as disruptive rain with heavy downpours leading to flooding will persist in the province, according to the South African Weather Service.
ECR share on Thursday that the municipality’s Gugu Sisilana said that disaster management teams are on standby.
“This weather warning includes the eThekwini region. Predictions are indicating high likelihood of heavy rains. This warning may result in the flooding of roads and settlements, poor driving conditions, and the destruction of mud-based houses.”
“The city advises residents to exercise extreme caution and to stay indoors if possible, and to avoid travelling. The public is reminded not to cross rivers and streams.”
SOUTH AFRICANS REACT TO FLOODING IN THE PROVINCE
@MrNoBdddyy: “Pray for KZN, Durban. The rain is still continuing to rain, while other residents are still trying to fix the damage from April 2022 floods.”
@ZiieRadebe: “Praying for my people here in eThekwini and other parts of KZN who are affected by these floods.”
@Ceeya_Mav: “We have survived so many KZN floods we have even stopped counting. We no longer even mark ourselves as safe anymore because they happen every 2 weeks.”
@Ncediso09: “What’s happening in KZN is heartbreaking. I remember last year when politicians came after the floods, promising millions, but many people didn’t see a single cent.”
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