Flash Floods Prompt Emergency Evacuations at Newcastle Care Facilities

On November 9, 2025, heavy rainfall and hail struck Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, leading to severe flash flooding across multiple areas. The downpours overwhelmed local infrastructure, causing rapid water accumulation in low-lying regions. Emergency services were placed on high alert as the flooding disrupted traffic and services in the city.

The flooding severely impacted two care facilities: the LA Gratitude Retirement Facility and the Cripple Care Facility. These sites sustained widespread structural damage, including compromised roofs in the frail care sections where water entered residential rooms. Ground-floor units at both locations experienced significant inundation, endangering elderly and physically disabled residents. The relentless rain exacerbated the situation, creating hazardous conditions inside the buildings.

In response, the KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service initiated a coordinated rescue operation around 17:00 that day, following reports of the damage. Paramedics and specialized rescue technicians conducted urgent evacuations, prioritizing the relocation of vulnerable individuals from flooded and damaged areas to safer, dry parts of the facilities. The effort involved navigating through compromised corridors and standing water while handling medically fragile patients. No casualties were reported from these incidents.

Beyond the care facilities, the floods affected broader parts of Newcastle, including the central business district, Hutten Heights, Barry Hertzog Park, and Amajuba Park. Roads such as the intersection of Boundary and Bird streets became inaccessible due to rising waters. Vehicles and pedestrians were stranded in the central business district, and most routes leading into it were closed by traffic officials. Reports from community groups indicated that several homes and properties had taken in water.

Authorities, including the Newcastle Community Policing Forum, advised residents to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel until the waters receded. They emphasized that only emergency outings should be undertaken, highlighting the risks posed by the ongoing weather conditions. The operation at the care facilities was part of a larger multi-agency response to the flooding event.