Flooding and winds batter Folweni

SOME Folweni residents were forced to flee their homes as torrential rains and strong winds caused mass devastation across eThekwini on Tuesday, June 27 and into the morning of June 28.

In a statement, the eThekwini Municipality said various teams worked throughout the night to support communities.

Also read: April 2022 floods – a year later

“Teams were deployed to communities to open halls to accommodate displaced families and to render other assistance such as food, blankets and mattresses,” said the City.

The City said they transported families and their belongings to the various halls that were opened such as in Folweni, Amoati and Amatikwe, among other areas. They said search-and-rescue teams rescued families trapped by water in their homes, and roving teams removed obstructions on roads and cleared fallen trees and other debris.

“However, damage to homes and government infrastructure is extensive, with clinics flooded and water pipes damaged,” said the City.

In a statement, the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government said no deaths or injuries have been reported.

“Emergency and rescue teams have already been dispatched to all affected areas to assess the extent of the damage and to render assistance to families. The joint operations team will coordinate assistance such as machinery to move debris. Disaster and emergency teams will be in the area until all affected residents are safely accommodated,” read the statement.

For any emergencies, contact the City’s emergency line on 031 361 0000.

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