The death toll has risen to three in KwaZulu-Natal as torrential downpours and adverse weather conditions continue in the province amid a level 4 weather warning in place.

Residents have been cautioned not to cross low-lying bridges compromised by flood waters.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) spokesperson, Senzelwe Mzila, confirmed the latest fatality of a 21-year-old woman.

On the KZN north coast in Umlalazi, a citizen was killed by lightning.

The South African Weather Service confirmed a level 4 warning with disruptive rainfall leading to flooding of roads and settlements, damage to infrastructure, and mudslides, which are expected along the KZN coast, except the extreme north coast.

“Search and Rescue teams have recovered the body of a 21-year-old female in Lower Molweni, Durban. Reports received by the department indicate that the victim was swept away while attempting to cross a low-lying bridge during heavy rainfall last night. Cogta MEC, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has expressed condolences to the family.

“This incident brings the total number of weather-related fatalities in the KwaZulu-Natal province to three since the onset of heavy rains on Thursday,” said Mzila.

Buthelezi advised residents to remain vigilant, as adverse weather conditions are forecast to persist throughout the day.

On Friday, Mzila confirmed mop-up operations were taking place, particularly in the eThekwini metro area.

The intense downpour wreaked havoc across coastal regions, leading to widespread flooding, uprooted trees, and significant disruptions to the electricity supply in numerous communities, as well as infrastructure.

National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) spokesperson, Craig Lambinon, confirmed NSRI Durban and NSRI Umhlanga joined the police and the emergency services in preparing for the heavy rainfall that was forecast and in anticipation of heavy rainfalls last night.

The NSRI crews stood down at around 1am on Saturday when the worst of the heavy rainfalls subsided, said Lambinon.

“We are appealing to the public not to cross over low-lying bridges compromised by flood waters and do not try to cross through flooded motorways or rivers under flooding conditions during heavy rainfall and flash flooding,” said Lambinon.

chevon.booysen@inl.co.za