It was a tragic first day back at school on Wednesday when staff and pupils of Bizimali High School in Nkandla, northern KwaZulu-Natal, learnt that an accident had claimed the life of a teacher.

Disaster management teams including firefighters were dispatched to the scene of the accident at Umvoti where a bakkie, carrying four people, washed away into the local Nadi River. They recovered four bodies, including that of the school's accounting teacher, Sisanda Dhlomo.

Principal Ntando Ntuli told SowetanLIVE on Wednesday that three people from a private boarding establishment and Dhlomo were en route from Greytown when the driver of the bakkie had attempted to cross the river.

"The river is usually dry, but yesterday there was a downpour and a flash flood. The driver thought he would be able to cross the river in his 4x4 but he underestimated the power of the water and the bakkie was swept away, landing upside down. Unfortunately all four people died instantly.

"Today was a very sad day at school. Miss Dhlomo was a much loved accounting teacher who joined us in February 2018. She was the sole breadwinner in a poverty stricken family," he aded.

KZN Cogta's disaster management team is on the scene working with local authorities to help and provide support to affected families.

In Hlobane under abaQulusi Municipality in Vryheid, gales and storms damaged  houses and other infrastructure. Other incidents have been reported in Nottingham Road and Mooi River where hail damaged several houses.

Disaster teams have also commenced with assessment of the damage.

"Our condolences go to the families of the victims. It is devastating to witness such carnage at the beginning of a new year,” said Cogta MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube.