Weather-related disasters claim multiple lives in KZN

Thirty-five people have died due to severe weather-related disasters in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) between December 2025 and March 2026. 

This is according to the KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA).

It said nine districts, including uMgungundlovu, Amajuba and uThukela were affected by the inclement weather.

Schools, healthcare facilities and farms were not spared, with thousands of houses destroyed, leaving many homeless.

KZN (COGTA) MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi briefed the media on Thursday.

Addressing the state of local governance and disaster relief response efforts, he said, "The majority of these losses resulted from drowning caused by unusually strong water currents and rapidly rising river levels.

"Many of these incidents occurred in eThekwini, uMdoni, uMzumbe, uMsinga and other municipalities where residents were swept away while attempting to cross flooded areas." 

Buthelezi said there have been more deaths following recent rains.

"Last week Thursday, we had an incident in uMsinga where six people were swept away while trying to cross the Mfenebude bridge in Inadi. Five bodies have been recovered by our disaster teams working closely with the SAPS [South African Police Service] Search and Rescue."

One person is still unaccounted for from the group of six.