Three houses collapse in Mariannhill mudslide
Heavy rainfall in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, has triggered mudslides in Mariannhill, causing three houses to collapse. Local authorities have confirmed no fatalities and are providing relief to affected families while remaining on high alert for further weather-related risks.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the ongoing vulnerability of residential areas in South Africa to extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change.
A mudslide in Tshelimnyama, Mariannhill, near Pinetown, has prompted an emergency response after approximately three houses collapsed amid continued heavy rainfall across KwaZulu-Natal on Friday morning.
The eThekwini Municipality said its Fire and Emergency Services responded to the incident in Ward 15, where localised mudslides affected three homes.
Emergency responders secured and cleared the affected site.
“The municipality can confirm that no fatalities, injuries, or entrapments were reported during the incident, with 14 residents affected thus far,” eThekwini Municipality said.
Disaster Management teams are on the ground assessing the damage and co-ordinating immediate humanitarian and relief support for the affected families.
The municipality said its Disaster Management and Emergency Services directorates remained on high alert following continuous heavy downpours that began on Thursday.
More mudslides possible
The municipality warned that saturated ground conditions could increase the risk of further mudslides and localised flooding.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in