Update: Woman swept away in Pinetown, KZN floods identified as Vanitha Naidoo
A woman who was swept away by floods in Pinetown, west of Durban, has been identified as Vanitha Naidoo, a 54-year-old pharmacist at a Clicks store in Hillcrest.
Naidoo was driving home from work on Thursday evening when her vehicle was caught in the raging floodwaters caused by heavy rainfall in the area. Her car was swept away for approximately three kilometres, leading to a desperate search by emergency services.
Floods Lead to Tragic Loss
KwaZulu-Natal has been experiencing intense rainfall, resulting in severe flooding in multiple areas, including Pinetown. The downpour caused rivers to overflow, roads to become submerged, and dangerous driving conditions for motorists.
Naidoo, an experienced pharmacist, was making her usual commute home when the forceful floodwaters overpowered her car. Witnesses reported seeing her vehicle being carried away by the powerful currents.
Vanitha Naidoo
Despite intensive search efforts on Thursday night, emergency teams were unable to locate her in the dark, turbulent waters. The search continued into Friday morning, where authorities made a heartbreaking discovery—her body was found trapped inside her car in a river near Gordon Road.
Family in Shock and Mourning
Her relative, Devashin Govender, confirmed the family had been notified and would be heading to the Pinetown mortuary to identify the body.
“We are going to go down to the Pinetown mortuary now and then identify the body and wait for the postmortem. We will provide further updates shortly thereafter,” said Govender.
The family is said to be in deep shock and grief following the tragic loss of Naidoo, who was well-known and respected in her community.
Rescue and Recovery Efforts
Emergency response teams, including local search and rescue units, worked tirelessly to locate Naidoo after reports emerged that a vehicle had been washed away. The search was hampered by strong currents and poor visibility, making it difficult to navigate the flooded areas safely.
Rescue workers followed the path of the floodwaters, checking debris-filled areas and monitoring riverbanks where vehicles could have become lodged.
After hours of searching, they finally located Naidoo’s car, submerged near Gordon Road, and discovered her lifeless body still inside.
Impact of Severe Weather
The heavy rainfall that led to this devastating incident is part of a larger weather system that has brought flooding, road closures, and power outages to parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
Authorities have urged residents to exercise extreme caution, especially when driving in low-lying or flood-prone areas.
Motorists are being advised to avoid roads that have been compromised by flooding, as strong currents can easily sweep vehicles away, even in shallow waters.
Community in Mourning
Naidoo’s colleagues and friends have expressed deep sorrow over her untimely passing. She was known for her dedication to her work, her kind-hearted nature, and her commitment to serving her customers at Clicks Hillcrest.
Customers who had interacted with her over the years described her as a warm, caring, and knowledgeable pharmacist who always went the extra mile to help those in need.
Her tragic passing has left a void in both her family and professional circles, with many expressing their condolences and prayers for her loved ones.
Calls for Stronger Flood Safety Measures
In the wake of this tragedy, concerns have been raised over safety measures during heavy rains, with some urging authorities to implement better flood warning systems and improve drainage infrastructure to prevent such incidents.
KwaZulu-Natal is no stranger to devastating floods, and the province has seen several weather-related tragedies in recent years. Officials are now calling for greater public awareness and emergency preparedness to reduce the risk of loss of life in future storms.
Final Farewell
Naidoo’s family is now preparing for her final farewell, as they await postmortem results and make arrangements for her funeral service.
As the Hillcrest community mourns the loss of a beloved pharmacist, her memory will live on in the lives she touched and the care she provided to so many.
Her passing serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers of extreme weather and the unpredictability of nature, reinforcing the need for caution and preparedness during severe storms and floods.
