NATIONAL NEWS - A large-scale rescue operation was launched in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, after flash flooding triggered by torrential rain left two care facilities severely damaged and dozens of elderly and disabled residents trapped on Sunday afternoon.
KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service, firefighters, and local rescue units responded to multiple distress calls from the LA Gratitude Retirement Facility and the Cripple Care Facility, where floodwaters quickly engulfed the ground floors.
KwaZulu Private Ambulance spokesperson Craig Botha said that upon arrival, torrents of water had overwhelmed the area’s stormwater systems, turning access roads into rivers and forcing rescuers to wade through waist-deep water to reach stranded residents.
Botha said preliminary reports indicated significant structural damage at both facilities. Roofs in the frail-care wings were damaged, causing water to stream into residential units.
The ground-floor units at both facilities were experiencing severe flooding, with water levels creating a substantial risk to the elderly and physically disabled residents. Frail residents were relocated to dry sections of the facilities.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) confirmed that Disaster Management teams have been dispatched to Newcastle.
According to Cogta, parts of the Newcastle CBD were also affected, and several roads were closed on Sunday evening.
MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi urged residents in and around Newcastle to exercise extreme caution, especially when travelling, and to follow the instructions of emergency personnel.
This localised incident comes against a backdrop of broader adverse weather conditions across the province. The South African Weather Service has forecast inclement weather for Monday and parts of Tuesday, with the potential for heavy rain.
He added that the incoming weather system could worsen the flooding in Newcastle and impact other vulnerable areas across KwaZulu-Natal.
In response to the forecast, Disaster Management teams across the province have been placed on high alert and are closely monitoring conditions to ensure rapid response capabilities are maintained.
Residents across KZN are urged to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay informed through official government communication channels.
Roads affected by flooding and subsequently closed include:
- Ayliff Street
- Kirkland Street
- Scott and Bird Street
- Patterson and Allen Street
- Allen Street (near KFC, where paving was lifted off)
Assessments are underway to determine the full extent of the damage caused by the storm.
Article: Caxton publication, The Witness
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