Two bodies recovered in Msinga

Flooding after a thunderstorm in Msinga
Image by: AFOLABI SOTUNDE / REUTERS

Two bodies of six people who went missing in a thunderstorm in Msinga, northern KwaZulu-Natal, have been recovered, the co-operative governance and traditional affairs department said on Tuesday.

"Two bodies have been recovered today [Tuesday], but we cannot reveal their identities at this stage until their families have been properly notified," said spokesman Lennox Mabaso.

The six were swept away in their homes when the Isibumba river burst its banks and flooded.

"The floods have left 36 people displaced, 25 houses have been completely damaged, and 98 people have been affected," Mabaso said. The rain started on at 6pm on Monday.

"This is indeed a very sad day for us a province as we have come to comfort the families whose lives has been turned asunder as a result of the ferocious storms that hit this area," said co-operative governance MEC Nomusa Dube.

She said the department had spoken to traditional leaders about identifying appropriate land, away from the flood plain, on which families could rebuild their homes.

"Search and rescue crews are on the scene and are searching for those that went missing during the flood," she said.

Dube said families which had lost their homes were being housed at a community hall, and arrangements had been made for them to get all the necessary assistance to ensure they were able to rebuild their lives.

Damage to infrastructure was estimated to run into millions of rand.

Dube, arts and culture MEC Ntombikayise Sibhidla Saphetha, health MEC Sbongiseni Dlomo and Social Development MEC Weziwe Thusi MEC visited the area to asses the damage.

The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal sent its condolences to the families which had lost loved ones and those still searching for missing family members.

"We have no doubts that the emergency and rescue team will do their best in searching for the missing people," said spokesman Senzo Mkhize.

"We also want to commend the provincial government for their swift response in providing relief measure to the victims," he said.

- Times Live