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The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) has expressed its deepest condolences to the families of two seven year olds who drowned in Nongoma over the weekend as heavy rains continue to pour down in many parts of the province.

The incident is said to have occurred late on Sunday (yesterday) at Mphola, ward 7 in Nongoma local municipality. The departmental disaster teams have been in the area since the tragedy.

"KZN MEC for Cogta has issued warnings to communities to be on alert against possible flooding as the rain continues to pour.  Our thoughts are with the grieving relatives while our disaster management teams are hard at work on the ground to minimise the impact of these heavy downpours on the communities," said KZN Cogta MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube.

"We are urging all families not to leave their children unattended as the effects of bad weather remain unpredictable, especially in our deep rural areas. Residents in low lying areas are advised to be extra careful and be ready to move away from river banks when asked to do so. We plead with our people to avoid crossing flooded rivers and overflowing low water bridges. Such weather also brings the risks of rain related road accidents and we urge motorists to be extra vigilant”,  said Dube-Ncube.

“With the province currently experiencing severe drought the rains are considered a blessing to some and unfortunately a nightmare for others due to the tragedy they bring.” Dube-Ncube added.

In the meantime, the KZN Cogta has assured the residents of the province that its well-trained disaster management teams are at the disposal of all who require immediate relief in the wake of natural disasters.

Disaster teams of KwaZulu-Natal are reachable on 0800 000 953/4 for urgent help.

Issued by KZN COGTA