Authorities in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province reported that four individuals have tragically passed away as a result of heavy rainfall and a tornado.

The south-eastern region experienced severe winds and precipitation, leading to road damage, house flooding, and sewer system overflows. On Tuesday, a tornado struck the area north of Durban, exacerbating the already dire situation. In a statement, the province's disaster management department confirmed the unfortunate loss of life, with three fatalities in Durban and one in the broader KwaZulu-Natal region. The statement also mentioned that one person remains missing, while over 150 individuals have been displaced from their homes.

According to the statement, it is uncommon to experience extraordinary rainfall during the usual rainy season in KwaZulu-Natal, which typically spans from November to March.

The department expressed that they are currently witnessing the direct consequences of climate change during the winter season. They recalled the devastating events of April 2022 when the province encountered the most severe floods in recent history. These floods resulted in the tragic loss of over 400 lives in Durban and its neighboring regions.

As the global temperatures rise, experts have issued warnings about the increasing intensity and frequency of floods and other extreme weather phenomena.