Disaster teams from the KZN Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) are intervening across the province, following the extreme weather which has caused flash flooding and endangered vulnerable communities.
One fatality has been reported and confirmed.
Disaster personnel from across the province’s 61 municipalities have been despatched to assist as many residents begin to pick up the pieces following a fierce storm.
The worst-hit areas of KZN so far include parts of Port Shepstone where emergency accommodation is being provided for a community whose homes have been submerged and many parts of Durban including Amanzimtoti, Inanda, Ntuzuma, KwaMashu, Umlazi, Yellowwood Park, and the entire Durban CBD which flooded.
“Disaster and emergency teams worked through the night to evacuate residents whose homes were flooded and to manage roads and thoroughfares which were potentially dangerous to road users”.
“We reassure the public that our disaster management teams are on high alert and we are already responding to every reported emergency situation. We are working closely with other agencies, including the SAPS, traffic department, municipalities to ensure speedy interventions,” said KZN MEC for Cogta Nomusa Dube-Ncube.
“In some parts of KZN, lightning has compounded the damage caused by incessant rain. We are aware that some areas are still without power since the local power station was struck by lightning, especially in Isipingo. At the same time, heavy snowfall has caused major disruptions in and around the Drakensberg.”
“Our focus remains on the low-lying areas of the province and on informal settlements where there is risk of landslides and damage to makeshift structures. Residents are asked to monitor the impact of extreme weather in their areas and report all imminent disasters to the authorities,” said Dube-Ncube.
KZN Cogta also advised motorists to heed all travel warnings issued by authorities, as several roads have been closed to traffic. These include the R56 between Kokstad and Matatiele, the R74 between Bergville and Harrismith and the R617 between Underberg and Boston. The N3, however, remains open.
Dube-Ncube also expressed frustration after reports that dozens of motorists attempted to drive across flooded roads, despite all warnings. “Every time someone drives into floodwater, they’re also putting their lives, including those of rescuers, in danger.
Dube-Ncube extended condolences on behalf of Premier Willies Mchunu and the government to the family that lost a relative in this inclement weather.
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