Seven missing after KZN flooding

Six children and an adult were missing after being trapped on an island in the Umzinto River near Durban, the National Sea Rescue Institute said today.

Yesterday evening, the institute’s Durban sea rescue crew were requested to help after heavy rains in the area swelled rivers, said spokesperson Craig Lambinon.

“Due to excessive flood torrents on the river, these seven people could not be reached.”

He said police search and rescue crews resumed the search this morning.

Three other people were rescued from the iFafa Club Marina Resort, south of Umzinto.

Police helped three more people to safety in KwaMashu, Durban. Lambinon said.

“They had scrambled up scaffolding on a construction site to escape flood waters after abandoning their vehicle on the flooded bridge.”

Police, fire and rescue services, and the uThukela Municipality would continue to monitor the area.

- Sapa