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Two Still Missing After New Hanover Floods As KZN Presses Strict Riverbank Building Bans

Officials point to the deadly flash flooding as evidence that tighter enforcement of no-build rules near rivers must now be upheld.

Overview

  • Multi-agency teams resumed searches on Tuesday after recovering a woman’s body on Monday, with heavy debris in the river hampering efforts and NSRI support expected.
  • Roughly 100 people were displaced and temporary halls and a school were prepared, but many affected residents—reportedly foreign nationals—declined shelter because of verification procedures.
  • Authorities report several homes washed away and extensive damage to transport links, including the bridge connecting Wartburg and New Hanover.
  • The province is coordinating with national Human Settlements to identify sites for Temporary Residential Units, with a ministerial visit planned next week.
  • CoGTA says seven districts were affected, identifies uMshwathi as the hardest hit, and urges municipalities to enforce bylaws to prevent building in floodplains.