Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has directed the immediate evacuation of families whose homes have completely collapsed or whose homes’ structural integrity is compromised, following mudslides in Durban, owing to recent heavy rains.

Simelane visited the uMlazi, H Section township on Wednesday to assess the damages.

She noted that over 50 families were being evacuated to temporary emergency accommodation.

“I am out of words to express our gratitude to families that opened their houses to accommodate affected families. This is who we are. We are a warm nation. A nation that extends a helping hand to those in need,” she said.

Simelane said she was also encouraged by the efficiency with which the National and KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements and the eThekwini municipality responded to the call to evacuate victims of mudslides.

Over the next two weeks, she expects the National Builders Registration Council to present its report on structural integrity of all affected houses and geotechnical assessments of the area to determine the intervention required.