Durban – Severe flooding in KwaZulu-Natal’s New Hanover has displaced many residents, with foreign nationals reportedly being the hardest hit.
According to The Citizen, relief efforts are hampered as most of them have avoided coming forward due to government verification requirements, preventing access to shelters and essential aid.
KZN MEC for Human Settlements Siboniso Duma said the process is necessary to ensure proper distribution of resources.
“The ward councillor tried and organised a venue and a hall with the mayor. Unfortunately, the majority of them are foreigners, so they couldn’t come because we’ve started the process of verification, which is a key feature for us,” the report quoted Duma as saying during an on-site visit to New Hanover on Monday morning.
One person was found dead while two people remain missing after they were swept away in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands town of New Hanover.
This comes as heavy rains continue to flood parts of the province. pic.twitter.com/1xAKsbPHcd
— The Instigator (@Am_Blujay) November 24, 2025
Rescue teams recovered the body of a woman from a river in Shiyasi, while two other people remain unaccounted for.
In a statement, KZN Cogta confirmed that disaster management personnel are coordinating with search-and-rescue units on site.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli expressed his condolences to the affected families and said: “Three people went missing, and sadly one body has been recovered.”
He urged residents to take heed of weather warnings, adding that the victims were living in cottages built along the riverbank that were overwhelmed by the flooding.
WATCH | KZN Premier Thami Ntuli says they have made a call to traditional leaders to assist in relocating people living along riverbanks and floodplains. pic.twitter.com/mX0yq4UNWN
— SABC News (@SABCNews) November 24, 2025
Many of the worst-affected settlements are informal, and some were built on flood plains, TimesLIVE.
Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma reportedly said that roads and bridges in the area were washed away, cutting off communities.
As reported by IOL, the South African Weather Service has issued a Yellow Level 4 warning for KwaZulu-Natal, forecasting more heavy rain, hail, and possible flooding in low-lying areas.
Residents have been urged by disaster management officials to avoid crossing swollen rivers or low-lying bridges, as conditions remain dangerous.
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
