uMhlanga and surrounding areas hit hard by flash flood
Emer-G-Med spokesperson Kyle van Reenen said they had multiple calls come in through various support networks for localised flooding, structural collapses and residents stuck in their homes.
FLASH flooding, which occurred after a heavy downpour of 100mm within 90 minutes on Saturday night, has caused severe damage to properties in uMhlanga and several other areas north of Durban.
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Emer-G-Med spokesperson Kyle van Reenen said Emer-G-Med Paramedics, together with several other emergency service agencies, had their hands full across the greater eThekwini region after a deluge of rain fell.
“Multiple calls came in through various support networks for localised flooding, structural collapses and residents stuck in their homes. No fatalities were reported,” he said.
Residents took to Facebook to post pictures and videos of flood damage to their households and businesses.
What’s on Durban posted a video of a damaged part of the road on Chartwell Drive.
Reports of flooding at Lighthouse Mall, Umhlanga Boulevard near Gateway Theatre of Shopping and the Virginia Airport were also reported.
Ward 35 councillor Nicole Bollman reported that certain roads had been closed due to damage and flooding, and numerous houses were left without water and electricity as a result of the floods.
“Residents in Oakley Road had to be evacuated last night. Boundary walls have also collapsed, and there’s debris on the roads. There are also reports of power outages which are being attended to. As per previous times, the department will work with the critical – those that are a potential threat to life, first, working their way to mass outages, and so on,” she said.
Bollman advised residents to visit her Facebook page, Nicole Bollman Ward 35 Councillor, for regular updates and to pass information along to those who are not on social media.
She added that residents had reported low water pressure in Umhlanga Ridge and that, this time around, the area has been severely hit.
“Please also be vigilant of fallen trees, walls, mudslides, lifted manhole covers and other debris while out on the road,” she said.
Ward 36 councillor Shontel de Boer said no serious reports of flooding had been logged besides that of Riverside Road last night.
“This has since been cleared. I will update residents should there be any new information. The incomplete pavements on Orange Grove have also collapsed,” added de Boer.
Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) said it was inundated with callouts during the heavy rain last night in uMdloti and areas further north.
“By 22:00, we had already received 173 callouts,” said spokesperson Prem Balram.
Take caution when approaching the following roads:
- M4 both sides, near M41 bridge – flooded
- Kingston/Herald Drive, Umhlanga – proceed with caution as the boundary wall is obstructing parts of the road.
- 55 Marine Drive, Umhlanga – sinkhole.
- 74 Chartwell Drive, Umhlanga – sinkhole.
- 83 Chartwell Drive, Umhlanga – wall collapsed
- 77 Forest Drive, Umhlanga – flooding.
- Newlands Drive, Umhlanga – sinkhole
- Rinaldo Road and Harrison Road, Glen Anil roads washed away.
- Queen Nandi Drive – flooded.
- Danville Avenue
- Marion Avenue (houses flooding)
- Ridge Road, Umhlanga
- Chartwell Drive, Umhlanga
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