South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province faced devastating consequences as heavy rain and a tornado wreaked havoc, leading to the loss of four lives, according to local authorities on Thursday. The southeastern province experienced powerful winds, torrential rainfall, damaged infrastructure, and severe flooding, with a tornado striking north of the port city of Durban on Tuesday.
The province’s disaster management department issued a statement expressing regret over the confirmed deaths. Three individuals lost their lives in Durban, while the fourth fatality occurred elsewhere in KwaZulu-Natal. Additionally, one person remains missing, and more than 150 individuals have been displaced, leaving them homeless.
Nonala Ndlovu, a spokesperson for the provincial Department of cooperative governance, highlighted that public infrastructure, including sewage systems, has suffered extensive damage due to the severe weather conditions. The unprecedented rainfall and subsequent events have caused significant disruptions in the region.
Normally, KwaZulu-Natal experiences its rainy season from November to March, making exceptional rainfall during this time of year uncommon. The department stated that the current situation is a direct result of climate change, stating, “We are experiencing firsthand the true effects of climate change during the winter season.”
In April 2022, the province endured the worst floods in living memory, resulting in the loss of over 400 lives in Durban and surrounding areas. This recent event serves as another stark reminder of the increasing intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, such as floods, as the world grapples with the impact of climate change.
Experts have consistently warned about the heightened risks associated with climate change, including more powerful storms and extreme weather patterns. The global rise in temperatures contributes to the intensification of these events, posing significant challenges for vulnerable regions like KwaZulu-Natal.
