Six killed in Ladysmith flood, 10 still missing

Doreen Premdev|Published 1 year ago

The Bellspuit River burst its banks on Christmas Eve, causing flooding on the N11, in Ladysmith. So far six bodies have been recovered and rescue teams are still searching for the 10 missing people. PICTURE: SUPPLIED

Rescue teams continue their search for the missing people who are believed to have been swept away in the tragic flooding that happened on Christmas Eve in Ladysmith.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) resumed their search on Tuesday morning.

The heavy rainstorm on December 24 led to Bellspuit River, which runs under the Mbonothu bridge, bursting its banks, causing water to overflow onto the N11 road near the Limit Hill robots, in Ladysmith CBD.

Cars tried to make their way through the flooded streets of Ladysmith on Tuesday morning. PICTURE: SUPPLIED

Infrastructure were destroyed and several vehicles were swept away in the flooding.

A bakkie was found in a ditch, it was swept away in the heavy flooding in Ladysmith on Christmas Eve. PICTURE: SUPPLIED

In a statement by Cogta, it said a household located near a caravan park was destroyed, and three family members were swept away in the raging floods.

“During the search-and-rescue operation, one family member was found dead, while two others are still missing. Three vehicles said to have been travelling on the N11 were also swept away. A double cab carrying nine passengers was swept away – three passengers were found dead inside the vehicle, while the other six remain missing.

“A VW Polo carrying two passengers was also recovered. One person was discovered dead inside the vehicle while the other person remains missing. A light Ford bakkie, carrying two people was swept away. One person was found dead in the vehicle and the other is still missing,” Cogta said.

Businesses were closed and the streets were deserted as rescue teams tried their best to find the 10 missing people on Tuesday swept away in the flooding. PICTURE: SUPPLIED

KZN Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, said it was with profound sadness and a heavy heart that she extended her deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of victims who lost their lives.

“We are aware that teams from various departments have provided disaster relief, including hygiene packs, mattresses and blankets, to all those in need. Our emergency response teams are working tirelessly to provide assistance and we are committed to helping rebuild lives and communities.

“If there is anything specific that you and your family need, please do not hesitate to contact our disaster teams on the ground,” said Ms Dube-Ncube.

The SA Weather Bureau forecasts that thunderstorms are expected to persist in various areas of KwaStanley Road, including Ladysmith. According to the South African Weather Service, a level 2 alert has been issued.

“We urge residents to exercise extreme caution during this time and to move away from areas that are prone to devastation by floods,” added Ms Dube-Ncube.