Floods, cold cause misery

Heavy downpours led to severe flooding in Durban at the weekend. Although the rain is a blessing – bringing relief after months of severe drought – the deluge, combined with gale-force winds, massive ocean swells and snow on the southern Drakensberg, brought misery to many Mission people.

Informal homes were swept away, leaving 325 people homeless, while at least six people, including two infants, lost their lives.

MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Nomusa Dube-Ncube said: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of life due to the floods that have affected many communities. We want people to know that they are not alone at this difficult time and that we are working hard to assist them in their hour of need. All our emergency personnel are doing their best to recover those who are still missing.”

More rain is expected in the Durban area later this week.

Weather SA forecaster Wisani Maluleke said he believed that the 206 millilitres of rain that had fallen in May in Durban so far was a record. “In one day 176 mm fell. That is a lot. I have never heard of that,” he said. Normally the city receives less than 60 mm of rain for the entire month.

[with acknowledgement to Independent Online]