ETHEKWINI Municipality assures residents it is ready and prepared to assist residents affected by heavy rains which are expected to continue to fall over the coming week. Weather forecasts predict persistent rainfall with thunderstorms in the events over the next three days.
Rain fell over the central and northern regions of eThekwini on Monday evening resulting in localised flooding due to saturated ground conditions. Moderate to heavy thundershowers are expected on today, Tuesday 12 November and Wednesday evening, potentially impacting river levels.
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The Forecast Early Warning System and Disaster Management teams are monitoring the patterns. Residents who have been negatively affected by the heavy rain can contact the city’s Disaster and Emergency Services for assistance on 031 361 00 00. The public is urged to be patient as staff are dealing with high call volumes.
The municipality has also appealed to the public to report any potential stormwater blockages to the Roads and Stormwater Management Department via the call centre on 080 131 3013. Residents are urged to not litter as the waste blocks the drains and water courses which results in blockage of the culverts and water backup or lateral flowing.
Rivers and streams are expected to continue rising with the predicted rainfall and the city discourages residents from bathing in or crossing swollen rivers.
A number of areas in eThekwini have been affected by the substantial rainfall, including the north to the inner west as well as parts of the inner city. The City is also monitoring flood plain areas.
By Tuesday morning, no casualties resulting from the heavy rains had ben reported, but the city confirmed that a number of roads had been affected. This included Old Main Road west bound which was closed due to high levels of water as a result of blocked stormwater drains. The closure is just before the intersection of Old Main Road and Anderson Road. Officials are working to unblock the drains.
The M4 between uMhlanga and Sibiya has also been affected as part of the ground has washed away. Motorists are urged to use alternate routes as an assessment is conducted.
The public is urged to avoid sharing false information circulated on social media of incidents related to the rainfall as this causes unnecessary panic. Only verified information issued by the Municipality or credible news sources should be trusted.
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