Isipingo Beach boat evacuations

TWO families from Isipingo Beach who were trapped in their homes were rescued by boat on Tuesday morning.

Lesha Veeran said her father-in-law called her at 5am. He said he needed to be rescued after his home began to flood.

“My husband Darren went to his dad’s home and used his boat to get to the doorway to rescue him.”

She said she was at home with her children, Deeya, 15, and Leylan, 11, and mother Kibby Rooplall, 78.

“The river behind our home began to overflow and the water soon entered our home. I told my children and mother to pack some belongings so we could leave, but the water outside was getting high. I then called my husband for help,” she said.

“We were with our dogs. We made them sit on our couches as we watched our belongings float around the house. I was devastated. I thought we were going to die. We stayed close to each other.”

Lesha said that after a few hours, her husband and father-in-law arrived by boat.

“We got onto the boat and went to a primary school in the area. We are now staying with friends. Although we have lost our belongings, we are thankful to be alive.”

In the same suburb, Dhusi Chetty, his wife and children held on to each other and their dog as water filled their free-standing home.

“Water started flooding our home from 5am on Tuesday. It happened so fast. We could not do anything to stop it. Our cupboards, fridge and some furniture floated around us. Our car was submerged in water,” said Chetty.

The 70-year-old said they managed to ask for help on a community WhatsApp group, and a boat was sent to rescue them.

“The team that rescued us is called Big Ben and Team. They were fantastic,” he said.

Following their rescue, they were taken to a primary school.

“Everything in our home is destroyed, but I am just glad that my family and our dog are safe.

“Our household insurance should cover the damage.”