PICS | Five dead as devastating rains wreak havoc in Margate, KZN ...

At least five people died in a storm that wreaked havoc in Margate on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast on Sunday night.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi has organised various departments as part of the disaster response efforts in the areas of Margate under Ugu District and eThekwini Metro after heavy rains left a trail of destruction and claimed lives.

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The department confirmed that five people have died in the Margate area.

“Three people drowned when the vehicle they were travelling in was washed away, while one was struck by lightning.

“The fifth victim fell from the roof when he was trying to stop the flooding water that was gashing through. Additionally, two people were reported injured in the Umgababa area in the south of eThekwini,” said the department.

Damage caused by heavy rains in Margate, KZN. Photo: KZN Dept of Cogta

MEC Sithole-Moloi has conveyed her condolences to all the families that have lost their loved ones as a result of the inclement weather.

The heavy downpours also caused extensive damage to businesses, households, and infrastructure.

Several roads and businesses remain closed in Margate town as mop-up operations continue.

The Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality has also temporarily closed its 10 beaches as a precautionary measure.

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The beaches, including Hibberdene, Mzumbe, Southport, St. Michaels, Uvongo, Manaba, Margate, Ramsgate, Trafalgar, and Port Edward, will remain closed until further notice.

Some businesses on the beachfront were washed away as a nearby stream overflowed, causing serious damage to roads, sewer infrastructure, traffic lights, and electricity.

Among the most affected businesses was a car dealership where over seven vehicles were washed away.

MEC Sithole-Moloi, together with the mayor of Ugu District, Sikhumbuzo Isaac Mqadi, and the mayor of Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality, Zodwa Mzindle, conducted assessments in several areas to establish the extent of the damages.

Damage caused by heavy rains in Margate, KZN. Photo: KZN Dept of Cogta

MEC Sithole-Moloi reassured locals that she has activated other departments such as transport, health, social development, economic development, and home affairs to attend to the pressing issues.

“The extent of the damages will require intervention from the various departments with whom we have engaged. We have also engaged the national government.

“Once our teams have concluded the interim report, we will submit it for further intervention. In due course, other MECs will make necessary interventions, particularly concerning households, infrastructure, and businesses.

“At this stage, we are relieved that no families have been moved to mass care centres, although they suffered damages. But they had roofs over their heads, and our teams have been distributing disaster relief to support them. We will also be visiting the families of the victims to offer emotional support and all the assistance we normally provide during such disasters,” said Sithole-Moloi.

In eThekwini, over 35 households were damaged by the heavy rains, affecting about 160 people.

Only two were confirmed injured and are recovering in the hospital.

Cogta Natal MEC Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi at one of the businesses in Margate that were damaged by the heavy rains. Photo: Supplied

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With more rain expected in some parts of the province, MEC Sithole-Moloi has pleaded with communities to adhere to the weather alerts and take precautionary measures.

Motorists are advised not to travel during the rain, as bridges may get flooded and pose serious threats to life.

Damage caused by heavy rains in Margate, KZN. Photo: KZN Dept of Cogta