Woman’s body recovered in Pinetown, KZN after severe flooding
Woman’s body recovered in Pinetown, KZN after severe flooding! A woman’s body was recovered in Pinetown, eThekwini, on Friday morning following heavy flooding in parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
Emergency services confirmed that the victim was swept away in her vehicle during Thursday night’s intense downpours. Unfortunately, attempts to rescue her failed due to the strong current in the overflowing stream.
Flooding Worsens Across KwaZulu-Natal
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) had issued a Level 6 warning for severe rainfall in the province, warning residents of potential flooding and hazardous conditions.
This latest fatality adds to the ongoing devastation in the region. Just last month, 22 people lost their lives due to extreme flooding and storm damage across KwaZulu-Natal. The heavy rains left homes destroyed, infrastructure damaged, and residents displaced.
With disaster teams still clearing debris and assessing the damage, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant as rainfall is expected to continue.
Victim Found in Pinetown After Rescue Attempts Failed
Advanced Life Support paramedic Garrith Jamieson confirmed that emergency services had been searching for a missing person since the previous night.
“This is the incident we were searching for last night, where it was initially reported that two vehicles had been swept away. However, it was later confirmed that only one vehicle was involved,” said Jamieson.
The woman, believed to be in her 50s, was discovered on Gordhan Road, where her car was spotted partially submerged in the floodwaters.
“Unfortunately, in the early hours of the morning, rescue teams and the eThekwini Fire Department located the vehicle and the deceased woman inside. She had suffered fatal injuries, and there was nothing more we could do,” Jamieson added.
Road Closures and Disaster Cleanup Underway
The flooding has caused extensive damage in various parts of eThekwini, with many roads still closed and disaster management teams working tirelessly to clear debris.
Fallen trees, mudslides, and other debris have created dangerous conditions for motorists. Residents are advised to avoid traveling through flooded areas and to exercise extreme caution when driving in the affected regions.
Authorities continue to monitor river levels, which remain high due to continuous rainfall.
Authorities Urge Caution as Rainfall Continues
With more rain forecast for KwaZulu-Natal, emergency services are urging residents to take precautions and stay informed about weather warnings.
Safety Tips for Flood-Prone Areas
- Avoid crossing flooded roads or bridges, as the water’s depth and strength can be deceiving.
- Do not attempt to drive through floodwaters—just 60cm of water can sweep a vehicle away.
- Move to higher ground if flooding threatens your area.
- Stay updated with official weather warnings and follow emergency services’ instructions.
- Keep emergency supplies ready, including flashlights, food, water, and first aid kits.
Search and Rescue Efforts Continue
Emergency teams will continue operations throughout Friday morning to ensure all affected areas are checked and to assist any stranded residents.
Authorities have emphasized the importance of preparedness, as climate change and unpredictable weather patterns increase the likelihood of extreme weather events.
For now, disaster response teams remain on high alert as KwaZulu-Natal battles yet another wave of destructive flooding.
