One person has died and dozens have been hospitalized following severe flooding in Umlazi, a township in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, on April 25, 2025. The torrential rains that swept through the area led to the collapse of homes and the destruction of infrastructure, leaving many residents in distress.
The tragic incident involved the Madondo family, who lost a member when their house collapsed in P Section of Umlazi, Ward 85. The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Amstrong Duma, expressed his condolences to the family and emphasized the urgency of the situation. "Our hearts are with the Madondo family following the unfortunate death of their family member," Duma stated. "This is after the collapse of their house in P Section in Umlazi, Ward 85."
Following the heavy rains, Duma decided to halt his engagements in the KZN Legislature to visit the affected communities. He highlighted the significant impact of the flooding, noting that many individuals were rushed to local hospitals and clinics due to the destruction of their homes. Reports indicated that at least five people were taken to medical facilities after their houses were destroyed.
Areas heavily affected by the flooding include Chicago in AA Section, J Section, and Ward 78, which is located near KwaMgaga High School. Many houses in these regions were washed away, leaving residents homeless and exposed to the ongoing rainfall. Duma remarked on the dire situation, stating, "In these areas, houses have been washed away, with community members left homeless. In addition, our highly efficient team from the Road Traffic Inspectorate has recorded an increase in the number of crashes. Roads have been flooded and bridges destroyed."
The flooding coincided with Duma’s presentation of budget speeches for both the Transport and Human Settlements departments. He pointed out that floods and the destruction of houses and road networks represent major challenges that his departments must address, particularly given their limited resources. "We singled out floods - destruction of houses and road networks - as the major challenge that requires both departments to do more with limited resources," he explained.
As the situation continues to develop, Duma confirmed that he would be visiting the Madondo family and other affected residents from 5 PM to 7 PM on the same day to assess the damage and offer support. His visit aims to provide comfort to those impacted by the disaster and to evaluate the extent of the destruction caused by the floods.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) has also mobilized disaster management teams to assist families affected by the flooding. MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi announced that teams are on standby to provide additional support as bad weather conditions are expected to persist into the weekend. Buthelezi emphasized the need for community resilience in the face of such natural disasters.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the flooding, local authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and cautious. Motorists have been advised to stay alert as the adverse weather conditions continue to pose risks on the roads. The Road Traffic Inspectorate has noted an increase in accidents due to the flooding, highlighting the critical need for safety measures.
The flooding in Umlazi serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of communities to extreme weather events. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns, local governments and agencies are being called upon to enhance their preparedness and response strategies to mitigate the effects of such disasters in the future.
Residents are encouraged to report any emergencies or damages to local authorities to ensure timely assistance and support. The community's resilience and cooperation are vital in overcoming the challenges posed by this natural disaster.
In conclusion, the tragic loss of life and the widespread destruction in Umlazi underscore the urgent need for effective disaster management strategies and community support systems. As recovery efforts begin, the focus will remain on providing aid to those affected and rebuilding the lives and homes that have been lost to the floods.
