KZN disaster teams on high alert as rain triggers minor mudslides

KwaZulu-Natal disaster management teams remain on high alert as prolonged rainfall continues across the province, with minor mudslides reported in Tshelimnyama and Umsinga.

As of Friday morning, no serious damage to infrastructure or households, injuries or fatalities had been reported, according to the provincial Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.

In Tshelimnyama, Durban, rainfall over the past 24 hours resulted in mudslides affecting three families. eThekwini disaster teams responded to the incidents.

The metro also proactively opened the Isiphingo Canal to help prevent flooding along the R102 in the Isipingo industrial area.

Meanwhile, stones were reported to have fallen onto the R33 in Umsinga following prolonged rainfall.

The provincial disaster management teams are also monitoring swollen rivers flowing through residential areas, particularly where informal settlements are located nearby.

KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Rev Thulasizwe Buthelezi said alternative accommodation and relief measures were being prepared should evacuations become necessary.

“The Level 6 weather alert along the coast remains in place, while other inland areas are also receiving prolonged rainfall,” Buthelezi said.

He urged parents to ensure children remained safe while travelling to and from school and warned residents against crossing swollen rivers.

“Most rivers are swollen, and we advise people not to attempt to cross swollen rivers during this period, whether on foot or by vehicle,” he said.

Buthelezi also cautioned motorists about slippery roads and poor visibility, urging communities to limit unnecessary movement while disaster teams continued monitoring high-risk areas.