KwaZulu-Natal Floods: R3.1 Billion in Damages and Recovery Efforts

A recent report from the KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) reveals that all areas in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province continue to suffer from the lingering effects of the devastating floods that occurred within the region, inflicting damage close to R3.1 billion.

As a reaction to the disaster, The National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) has formally declared a national state of disaster for the KZN province, which marks the first time the province has been under such a designation since April 2022.

Image Source: @News24, website(Sakhiseni Nxumalo/News24)

“This declaration, promulgated in terms of Section 23(1)(b) of the Disaster Management Act, 2002, represents a critical intervention to ensure a cohesive and comprehensive response to the devastating consequences of recent heavy rains, thunderstorms, floods, and strong winds,” he said.

“Furthermore, the incidents caused extensive damage to public infrastructure and private property, and severely disrupted essential services like water and electricity supply,” he said.

“The department, through the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, will continue to coordinate the province’s response in close collaboration with the NDMC,” Mzila said.

"Our unwavering commitment lies in providing support and assistance to all affected communities and in rebuilding robust and resilient infrastructure,” said MEC Buthelezi.