Flood Response

KZN - February Floods Response

KZN February Flood Response

On 19 February 2025, KwaZulu-Natal was battered by relentless heavy rains, leaving widespread devastation in its wake. Communities were flooded, homes destroyed, and hundreds of people displaced. CityHope Disaster Relief responded immediately, bringing aid to some of the most affected areas, including The Elder’s Voice KZN, Dakota Informal Settlement, and Lamontville.

Our mission has always been clear—to bring hope and relief in times of crisis. Here’s how we took action to assist those affected by the February floods.
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Assisted

The Elder’s Voice KZN
In Amanzimtoti, The Elder’s Voice KZN, a home for the elderly, suffered severe damage as floodwaters surged through the facility, filling rooms with mud and debris. With their residents evacuated and in need of essential supplies, CityHope stepped in on 20th February, just hours after the disaster struck.

We provided 34 blankets to ensure warmth and comfort for displaced residents, and our team assessed the damage to determine further assistance. Cleanup and restoration efforts remain ongoing to ensure a safe return for the elderly.

The resilience of the staff and surrounding community was inspiring, as they worked together to support the elderly who were in the care of the facility.

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Dakota Informal Settlement: Immediate Aid for 850 People
The Dakota Informal Settlement in Isipingo was one of the hardest-hit areas, where over 500 homes were destroyed and many families were left stranded. With floodwaters rising to door height, some homes remained inaccessible for days.

CityHope Disaster Relief responded on 20th February, conducting damage assessments and planning next steps for aid distribution. Our team took a structured approach to relief efforts:

  • Compiled a list of affected households to prioritise assistance in the form of food parcels, hygiene packs, and household starter kits to help families begin rebuilding their lives.
  • Served juice and sandwiches on the 21st February to provide some relief to residents
  • Provided hot meals over the weekend to families who had been unable to cook due to wet conditions and disconnected electrical connections.

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Lamontville: A Community in Mourning and Recovery
On February 26th, CityHope Disaster Relief was on the ground in Lamontville, where 100 people were affected by severe flooding. Tragically, five lives were lost, reminding us of the devastating reality of natural disasters.

Our team arrived to conduct needs assessments for the most vulnerable families, so that once search and rescue operations were completed, we could prioritise distribution of household starter kits to those who lost everything.

Lamontville’s tragedy underscores the importance of disaster preparedness and swift relief efforts.

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The KZN February floods have been devastating, but CityHope Disaster Relief was there—on the ground, delivering aid, and standing alongside communities in crisis.

Through the support of our partners, funders, and volunteers, we were able to bring immediate relief to those in need. But the journey doesn’t end here. Rebuilding takes time, and ongoing support is essential for families to regain their stability.

If you want to make a difference, partner with us. Every contribution—whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness—helps us bring hope where it’s needed most.