The recent deluge of heavy rains on Christmas Eve wreaked havoc in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, leading to a devastating flood that claimed the lives of several individuals. The calamitous overflow of the Bellspruit River, under the Mbonothu Bridge, inundated the N11 road near the Limit Hill robots, inflicting severe damage and loss in the town.
The Provincial Government of KwaZulu-Natal, led by Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube, expressed profound condolences to the families of the flood victims in the province. A total of seven lives have been lost due to the relentless downpour. Among these tragic losses, six souls perished when a riverbank collapsed in Ladysmith. In a separate heartbreaking incident, the lifeless body of an 8-year-old child was discovered in Mandeni.
Premier Dube-Ncube, speaking on behalf of the provincial government, conveyed heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families. She affirmed that MEC for Cooperative Governance, Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi, had promptly visited the affected area to evaluate the extent of the damage and engage with the affected families.
In a decisive move to extend immediate assistance, Premier Dube-Ncube personally visited the site to oversee the distribution of crucial disaster relief items and supervise the ongoing search and rescue endeavors.
MEC Sithole-Moloi assured that the provincial government stands in solidarity with the grief-stricken families in Ladysmith. “We have met with the families of the victims and assured them of comprehensive government support during this distressing period,” she declared.
Search and rescue operations have intensified, with dedicated teams led by the SAPS K9 Unit, collaborating with IPSS Medical Rescue and the Al-Imdaad Foundation for Disaster Response. These combined efforts aim to locate the missing individuals amidst rising concerns over their safety and well-being.
During her visit to the Rossboom area, a few kilometers from Ladysmith Town, MEC Sithole-Moloi met with the devastated Msimango family. Tragically, the Msimango family lost six of its members, with three bodies discovered while the fate of the other three remains uncertain.
MEC Sithole-Moloi spearheaded a delegation of disaster response teams, providing essential relief such as blankets, mattresses, and other necessities to those who have lost everything in this catastrophic event. “Our department, in collaboration with disaster response partners, continues to provide assistance to all affected families,” she asserted.
The provincial government, in partnership with various departments like Human Settlements and Social Development, as well as representatives from the National Department, assures ongoing support to the affected families during this arduous period. Counseling services will be readily available, and arrangements for the burial of the deceased are underway. Efforts to locate the missing individuals will persist relentlessly.
Adhering to standard protocols, disaster management teams will continue assessing the situation in close coordination with all municipalities across the province. Moreover, the Home Affairs and Social Development Department will provide support to families grappling with the loss of personal documents.
This tragic event has not only brought immense loss and grief to the affected families but has also united the province in solidarity and support. The government remains resolute in its commitment to stand by the affected communities, offering unwavering assistance in this time of despair and uncertainty.
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