News24 | Search continues for woman swept away by floodwaters in Dundee, KZN

The search for a 35-year-old woman who was swept away by floodwaters in Sibongile, Dundee, northern KwaZulu-Natal, on Saturday entered its third day on Tuesday.

The search for a 35-year-old woman who was swept away by floodwaters in Sibongile, Dundee, northern KwaZulu-Natal, on Saturday entered its third day on Tuesday.

Specialised SAPS Search and Rescue officials, supported by Disaster Management teams and volunteers, have been combing riverbanks and surrounding areas in an effort to find her.

The provincial Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) said drone technology would be deployed to reach inaccessible areas.

On Monday, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a Level 2 impact-based warning for more severe thunderstorms in the province until Tuesday, affecting Abaqulusi, Ladysmith, Dannhauser, Underberg, eDumbe, eMadlangeni, Endumeni, eThekwini, Greater Kokstad, Impendle, Ingwe, Escourt, KwaDukuza, and Mandeni, among other districts.

Maphumulo, Mkhambathini, Giants Castle, Mooi River, Msinga, Mthonjaneni, Ndwedwe, Newcastle, Nkandla, Nongoma, Nquthu, Okhahlamba, and Ray Nkonyeni also featured on the list.

The weather service also warned that heavy rains could cause slippery roads and road accidents and injuries.

Cogta MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi urged residents to avoid crossing flooded bridges or low-lying roads, stay indoors and away from windows during thunderstorms, secure pets, livestock, and vehicles in safe areas, and avoid attempting to cross overflowing rivers or streams.

He added that disaster management teams would continue to monitor low-lying communities and major routes to ensure public safety.

“We urge residents to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines. Your cooperation can save lives,” the MEC said.

This, as Eshowe residents and those in surrounding areas are still trying to recover from the devastating rainfall and flooding that hit the area last week, sweeping away numerous houses and damaging infrastructure.

An elderly person was struck by lightning and hospitalised.