Relentless rains have damaged about 413 houses, leaving 1 645 people without adequate shelter.
National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) Communications Manager Magman Mahlalela said preliminary rapid assessments indicated that the situation remained critical.
He said loss of life had been reported, while 11 people sustained injuries, mainly due to the collapse of rain-compromised dwellings.
“The number of houses damaged has increased to 413, leaving an estimated 1 645 individuals without adequate shelter.
“In addition, nine families, comprising approximately 40 individuals, have been temporarily displaced after their homes were destroyed or rendered uninhabitable due to waterlogging,” said Mahlalela.
Constrained access
He added that access to several affected communities remained severely constrained as a result of damaged roads and submerged or washed-away bridges, significantly limiting the delivery of basic services and humanitarian assistance.
Mahlalela said the heavy rains had also had a serious impact on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure.
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Damage to water supply systems has disrupted access to safe drinking water, while numerous sanitation facilities have collapsed or become waterlogged, posing heightened public health risks.
Education sector affected
The education sector has not been spared, with several schools reporting damaged walls, collapsed toilets and waterlogged classrooms, rendering them unsafe for use.
“As a precautionary measure, the opening of schools, which was initially scheduled for today, has been postponed to next week Tuesday in order to safeguard learners, educators and support staff,” he said.
Emergency response
In response to the situation, NDMA, in collaboration with humanitarian partners, has continued to conduct targeted rapid assessments in accessible areas to determine the full extent of the damage and facilitate the timely provision of emergency assistance to the most affected communities.
Mahlalela said NDMA, working together with the Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society (BERCS), was coordinating emergency response efforts.
To date, relief assistance distributed to affected households includes 15 tents for temporary shelter, 37 tarpaulins to meet basic weatherproofing needs and 12 food parcels to support food-insecure families.
