A woman’s body was recovered from a river in Pinetown, Durban, after her vehicle was swept away by raging floodwaters that caused widespread damage and disruptions in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday night.
Stapleton Road in Pinetown, near where the woman’s body was recovered, was severely flooded on Thursday night, with water levels rising rapidly.
On Friday morning, emergency teams found the woman’s vehicle on Gordon Road in Sarnia, Pinetown. Authorities closed the road temporarily to allow for the safe retrieval of the vehicle.
ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson confirmed that the woman is believed to be in her early 50s.
“We expect more rains, and people are advised to take precautions. If you don’t need to travel, please stay home as many roads remain waterlogged and are strewn with debris,” Jamieson urged.
Meanwhile, Pietermaritzburg also faced severe flooding, with multiple roads becoming impassable.
Ohrtmann Road was among the worst affected, with floodwaters causing heavy traffic congestion and disruptions.
In Howick, the R617 was submerged due to continuous downpours, while Mandela Drive in Mpophomeni was also inundated.
The floodwaters extended into the taxi ranks, making it extremely difficult for vehicles and pedestrians to navigate the area safely.
Mavundla Square shopping centre in Greytown was also reportedly flooded on Thursday night.
The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) said that officials are currently assessing the full extent of the damage caused by the heavy rainfall.
