THE public has been advised not to use Durban beaches until the municipality has announced they are safe to use.
This comes after a report detailing the extent of damage to the beachfront caused by severe weather conditions was tabled to Exco on Tuesday.
Deputy City Manager for Community and Emergency Services, Musa Gumede, said the effects of the high seas, wind speed and heavy rain was evident on certain parts of the City’s beaches and on the promenade, from Wedge Beach to North Beach.
Large quantities of sand have been deposited on the promenade, umbrellas dislodged, sand has been washed away leaving stones and rocks exposed.
Litter bins have been displaced, covers of the sea wall were dislodged and electrical cables exposed. Water also flooded into the North Beach office and SAPS office.
“As a result of the strong tides we were advised by the Sharks Board that shark nets would be lifted in some parts and it would therefore be unsafe for bathers to use the beach.
“Through our communication channels we have advised the public not to use our beaches until such time that we announce that it is safe,” said Gumede.
Municipal staff have started clean-up operations.