Watch: Severe storms batter Durban and Pietermaritzburg
Storms caused flooding, uprooted trees and blocked roads across parts of KZN, with emergency teams responding.
Severe storms caused widespread disruption in Durban and Pietermaritzburg last night, resulting in flooding, uprooted trees, blocked roads and infrastructure damage, with emergency and municipal teams responding across affected areas.
Highway Mail reports that teams are clearing debris, managing waterlogged roads, and assessing damage in Westville and surrounding areas following the storm that hit Durban suburbs.
According to EThekwini Municipality, 13 incidents were recorded in the Westville and Cowies Hill areas.
Heavy rains caused significant disruption, with roads submerged in places, vehicles damaged, and trees blocking key routes.
Disaster management, with recreation and parks teams, were deployed and continue to respond to incidents, clear obstructions, and restore access in affected areas.
The municipality urged residents to exercise extreme caution, avoid flooded roads, and report hazards such as fallen trees, damaged power lines, or blocked routes through official municipal channels.
“Motorists are strongly advised not to attempt crossing flooded roads, as water levels may be deeper and more dangerous than they appear,” said the metro in a statement.
Marshall Security’s Andreas Mathios, who responded to some of the incidents in Westville and Cowies Hill areas, reported that the community stepped in to cut trees blocking roads.
Watch as the community steps up to assist in Cowies Hill:
Pietermaritzburg storm impact
The Witness reports a severe storm also swept through Pietermaritzburg, bringing gale-force winds, heavy rain, thunder and hail.
KwaZulu Private Ambulance spokesperson Craig Botha said emergency teams were mobilised shortly after the storm hit.
“The severity of the weather system was most evident in areas such as Bishopstowe, where there were reports of a possible tornado touchdown,” said Botha. The South African Weather Service this morning confirmed to Caxton Network News that a brief tornado touched down in the area.
Numerous trees were damaged, blocking roads and posing risks to residents.
Vehicle crushed by a tree
At the Checkers at Scottsville Mall, a vehicle was pinned beneath a falling tree as occupants took shelter from the storm.
“Despite significant damage to the vehicle, no injuries were reported,” Botha said.
Watch as emergency services co-ordinate the rescue of the trapped occupants:
Major routes were also affected, including the N3 southbound off-ramp, where a fallen tree caused traffic delays.
Emergency teams secured the area and managed traffic flow while clearing operations continued.
A second obstruction on Hesketh Drive added to the disruption, with teams working to remove debris and restore access.
Botha said co-ordinated efforts between emergency services and fire department crews ensured that primary routes were cleared.
“Through a joint effort between KwaZulu Private Ambulance and the local fire department, all primary obstructions were systematically cleared using chainsaws and heavy recovery equipment,” he said.
Damage being assessed
The Provincial Disaster Management Centre is working with local municipalities to assess the extent of the damage and restore services.
“No fatalities have been reported at this stage. A comprehensive update will be provided once technical assessments are concluded,” the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs said.
Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious as cleanup operations continue and to report hazards to emergency services.
In case of an emergency, the public can contact the City’s Disaster Management Centre on 031 361 0000.
Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.
Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
Read original story on www.citizen.co.za
