In the aftermath of the destructive floods on Christmas Eve in Ladysmith, the recovery efforts have intensified, resulting in the discovery of nine bodies, with the search still ongoing for any remaining victims.
Since Sunday, emergency workers have been tirelessly scouring the affected areas, initially reporting six fatalities. A significant breakthrough occurred on Thursday when the bodies of a father and his toddler son were found, followed by the discovery of four additional bodies, bringing the total to six by the afternoon. Samantha Meyrick, spokesperson for IPSS Medical, provided an update on Friday, confirming that two more bodies were recovered in the morning, followed by a third around noon.
While expressing condolences to the affected families, Meyrick emphasized that the search for any remaining victims is actively underway.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda acknowledged the collaborative efforts of police divers from the K9 Search and Rescue, officers from various regions including Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Umhlali, Empangeni, Vryheid, and Newcastle. The recovery mission is further supported by organizations such as NSRI Station 5, the Alfred Duma Local Municipality, the Al-Imdaad Foundation, Sharaj Rescue, Working on Fire, and various private entities.
Colonel Netshiunda stated, “The search will continue until all the missing bodies have been accounted for.”
During a visit on Wednesday, the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi, met with the families of the victims, assuring them of the government’s full support during this distressing period.