Watch: Floods ravage Umdloti, Westbrook, Seatides and the M4
The NSRI, emergency rescue personnel and local community response groups have been instrumental in evacuations across the province, including at Umdloti where buildings are presently still being evacuated.
Floods triggered by heavy rain since yesterday have again caused massive destruction in large parts of the North Coast.
According to KZN EMS spokesperson Robert McKenzie, residents at the oThongathi Retirement Village had to be evacuated last night when the home started flooding. Westbrook Retirement Village had also been evacuated.
The SANDF has been deployed to help in flood-affected areas.
Umdloti residents report they are without water and electricity.
Ballito NSRI spokesperson, Quentin Power, said they were still in the process of evacuating residents from some buildings in Umdloti this morning.
Evacuations began last night at around 9pm when Medi Response KZN spokesperson Paul Herbst said a building’s structural integrity had been compromised.
At Seatides, Genazzano Road has been covered in mud with partial collapses evident. At the corner of Genazzano and Tunny Road it has collapsed completely.
Nazir Sadack of the local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) reports that further collapse of the road is possible.
Parts of Tongaat are still flooded and motorists are advised to exercise extreme caution.
The M4 is now cut off at three sections, with the latest collapse between the Casuarina Beach circle and Desainagar.
Further north, from Zimbali to Tinley Manor, it is reported that the Umgeni Water pump station has been flooded, affecting water supply to the areas. Updates from Siza Water are awaited.
A construction truck has reportedly broken down on the N2 southbound lane near Tinley Manor, with traffic currently flowing contraflow. No trucks are able to pass.
The Flag Farm link road at Sheffield is also flooded and should be avoided.
While residents at the Westbrook Retirement Village were safely evacuated, assistance is now needed to clean up the home.
The flood has left a mud deposit as high as window sills.
Those who are able to assist can contact Krish Govender at 083 542 3553, or Anne Watson at 083 542 3553.
eThekwini municipality said community halls remain open to receive residents displaced by heavy rains.
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