Ulundi, 18 September 2026 – KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Disaster Management teams are taking proactive steps to prevent possible flooding and mudslides as rain continues across the province. As of Friday morning, no serious damage to infrastructure or household has been recorded. However, a few incidents of mudslides have been reported in Tshelimnyama, Durban, and along the R33 in Umsinga.
In Tshelimnyama, the prolonged rainfall over the past 24 hours resulted in mudslides affecting three families. Disaster teams from eThekwini responded promptly. No injuries or fatalities have been reported in these incidents.
eThekwini Metro disaster teams also took proactive measures by opening the Isiphingo Canal to prevent flooding along the R102 in the Isipingo industrial area. Other minor incidents were reported in Umsinga, where stones have fallen onto the R33 Road due to prolonged rainfall.
Disaster teams have also noted that several rivers that flow through residential areas are swollen, posing a risk to informal settlements located nearby. Teams continue to monitor the situation, and evacuations could be implemented if the risk persists.
KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Rev. Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has coordinated with sector departments and social partners to ensure that alternative accommodation is available, along with all necessary relief that may be required.
As the rain continues, he has emphasised the need for vigilance among communities, livestock owners, parents and road users.
“The Level 6 weather alert along the coast remains in place, while other inland areas are also receiving prolonged rainfall. We want to urge parents to ensure the safety of children when they travel to school. Most rivers are swollen, and we advise people not to attempt to cross swollen rivers during this period, whether on foot or by vehicle. Disaster teams are monitoring all the areas that we have identified as high risk. Road surfaces are very slippery, and visibility has become poor. Let us limit our movement to ensure safety,” said MEC Buthelezi.
ISSUED BY THE KWAZULU-NATAL DEPARTMENT OF COOPERATIVE GOVERNANCE AND TRADITIONAL AFFAIRS
