Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has issued a heartfelt appeal to the Ladysmith community, urging them to step forward and report any missing persons following the recent flash floods that have ravaged the region.
The grim toll stands at twenty-two bodies recovered, with search and rescue teams relentlessly working to locate six additional individuals who are feared to have been swept away during the catastrophic flash floods.
In the ongoing search, now in its seventh day, the community is grappling with the aftermath of a tragic event that unfolded on Christmas Eve, where an unconfirmed number of people fell victim to the merciless force of the floods.
Premier Dube-Ncube emphasized the fluidity of the situation, noting that the number of flood victims in Ladysmith continues to evolve as many missing persons go unreported.
“It is crucial for residents to come forward if they suspect that a family member may have been carried away by the floods,” remarked Dube-Ncube, underscoring the importance of community collaboration in the face of adversity.
The Premier, joined by other provincial government officials, personally visited affected families on Saturday. Their visit coincided with the somber task of laying loved ones to rest, as the community grapples with the profound grief caused by the disaster.
Dube-Ncube assured affected families that support mechanisms were in place, stating, “We are providing them with counseling. Our dedicated teams are working closely with them, and the provincial leadership stands united to ensure we offer the necessary support during this challenging time.”
As Ladysmith contends with the aftermath of this devastating natural disaster, the community’s resilience and the ongoing search efforts serve as a testament to the strength of collective spirit in the face of adversity.