Durban - Police Search and Rescue teams, EMS and members of private rescue and paramedics services have been working round the clock to try to minimise the human cost of the storm that hit the province on Tuesday.
In a statement, police spokesperson Thulani Zwane said SAPS Search and Rescue Team members had been working non-stop since on Tuesday morning when the storm hit.
“At least 11 fatalities have been reported from Umlazi, Isipingo, Durban Central and KwaMakhutha. Five people are still being sought since they have been reported missing from yesterday,” said Zwane.
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He said police had received more than 150 calls related to the storm and had been working tirelessly with other Disaster Management Services to assist the victims.
“Due to yesterday’s weather, people died after they drowned, were struck by falling objects and trapped in vehicles. Police are still working, searching for missing victims.”
There were also a number of dramatic rescues by fire and rescue, paramedics and rescue services, including on the M7, near Sarnia Road, where several people had to be rescued from high floodwaters.
There were rescues in Montclair, Kingsway, Amanzimtoti, and in Umlazi.
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