Search underway for flood victims in Kwazulu Natal

Disaster management teams are still searching for four people thought to have been swept away by flooded rivers in the Msinga area, near Greytown in KZN.

Co-operative Governance says the bodies of two other people have already been recovered.

The area was lashed by Monday night's severe storm and dozens of homes were damaged after the iSibumba river burst its banks.

The department's Lennox Mabaso says KZN's premier will visit the area today to assess how to assist those who have been affected.

Mabaso says there is a sombre mood in Msinga, especially now that the extent of the damage is being properly gauged.

"Some houses that were washed away, we're not talking just small houses, we're talking about huge houses - those people would have invested a lot of money in constructing them. Some had eight rooms, some six rooms," he said.

"With the news trickling in of bodies being recovered - it changes the picture because the families have been living in the hope of finding their loved ones still alive."

Mabaso says officials are busy building temporary shelters and supplying food to the affected communities.

- East Coast Radio News