On Christmas day, the town of Ladysmith experienced a catastrophic flash flood that resulted in significant damage and loss of life. Emergency services are currently searching for 11 missing individuals, while the bodies of six people have already been recovered.
The flash flood was triggered by a massive storm that hit the Ladysmith area on Sunday night. The Bell’s Spruit and Kliprivier overflowed, causing widespread flooding in the region.
The local SPCA and Caravan Park were among the areas affected, and several vehicles were washed away by the raging waters.
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Ladysmith SAPS K9 Search and Rescue member, K9 Warrant Officer Meyer, along with his K9 companion, Storm, worked tirelessly throughout Christmas day to recover the bodies of the six victims.
However, due to exhaustion, the search had to be called off temporarily. Additional resources are now being awaited to resume the search for the remaining missing individuals.
IPSS Search and Rescue has dispatched a four-man team and two vehicle teams to assist the SAPS K9 Search and Rescue. Furthermore, additional members are on standby, ready to be deployed if needed.
The Al-Imdaad Foundation, a partner of IPSS, has also been deployed to provide aid to those affected by the floods.
It is worth noting that all the animals from the SPCA were successfully rescued on the night of the flood. However, the identities of the deceased individuals have not yet been established.
Once the search teams regroup, efforts will resume to identify the bodies and continue the search for any other missing persons.
The devastating flash flood in Ladysmith serves as a reminder of the destructive power of nature. It is a tragic event that has left the community in shock and mourning.
The immediate focus is on finding the missing individuals and providing support to those affected by the disaster.
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