Road closures, overflowing rivers and flooding in parts of KZN

Motorists are being advised to drive with caution, especially along the John Ross Parkway (R34), Zululand Observer reports.

This comes as heavy rainfall and thunderstorms have been experienced in certain parts of the uMfolozi, uMkhanyakude and uMhlathuze municipal areas, located in KwaZulu-Natal.

READ MORE: Early warning system launched for Nelson Mandela Bay low-level bridge

The R102 between Gingindlovu and Mtunzini has been temporarily closed by the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) owing to severe flooding.

A wall in Ngwelezana collapsed due to heavy rains this morning

King Cetshwayo District Disaster Management teams have been deployed to several roads around Empangeni, uMlalazi and neighbouring areas.

The District confirmed that the uMlalazi River is overflowing and that roads  in the areaare flooded.

Certain roads in Alton, such as the ZCBF Showgrounds in Richards Bay, have also been flooded.

The R102 between Gingindlovu and Mtunzini has been closed due to parts of the road being flooded – PHOTO: Supplied

Parts of the John Ross Parkway are flooded with both the fast and slow lanes on either side collecting huge amounts of water.

Motorists are advised to stay in the centre lanes on roads, reduce speeds, increase following distance and switch on headlights and hazards.

Currently, at least 100ml of rainfall has been recorded in certain areas in the region.

A home in the Umhlanga Reserve area in Ngwelezane was damaged after walled toppled collapsing on it – PHOTO: Supplied

uMhlathuze Fire and Rescue as well as members of the Empangeni K9 Search and Rescue Unit told the Zululand Observer that they have not received any reports of any major incidents thus far.

The South African Weather Service this morning issued out a weather warning of severe thunderstorms leading to localised flooding in the region, with heavy downpours and the possibility of hail.

https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/early-warning-system-launched-for-nelson-mandela-bay-low-level-bridge/

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