A severe hailstorm struck the uMshwathi Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal's Midlands, causing damage to numerous houses. This follows heavy rains two weeks prior that resulted in one death and two people still missing. Over 100 residents have been displaced, mainly from the flood-prone Shiyabazali informal settlement.
The uMshwathi Local Municipality in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands experienced a massive hailstorm that inflicted significant damage on several houses. This event compounds the challenges from heavy rains that battered the area two weeks ago, leading to one fatality and leaving two individuals unaccounted for. More than 100 people were forced from their homes, with the majority originating from the Shiyabazali informal settlement, which authorities note is situated on a flood plain.
Disaster management teams are maintaining a high state of readiness, anticipating further rainfall across parts of the KZN Midlands. Umshwathi Local Municipality Disaster Management Spokesperson Skhumbuzo Nxumalo has called on residents to pay close attention to weather alerts. In a statement, Nxumalo said: “I was at Umshwathi to assess the situation and I saw that the river is overflowing. I am asking the local residents not to sleep next to the river banks. Nobody is allowed to rebuild their structures following the recent rains.”
The South African Weather Service has issued a warning for severe thunderstorms, highlighting risks of heavy rain, localized flooding, damaging winds, hail, and excessive lightning in KwaZulu-Natal. The alert is valid from November 29, 2025. These conditions underscore ongoing vulnerabilities in the region, where informal settlements face heightened exposure to extreme weather.