Heavy rainfall causes stormwater drain flooding across Zululand
The heavy rainfall at the start of the week was welcomed by farmers but problematic for residents whose stormwater drains were overflowing into the streets.
Felixton cane farmer Ed Grantham was elated with the rainfall.
“It’s always great to start off spring with some heavy rains. The gauge on my farm recorded over 100mm of rain which will be excellent for planting.”
The heavy rainfall also benefitted dam levels, with Goedertrouw receiving 33mm directly over its catchment area.
However, standing water on the roads saw four single-vehicle accidents take place on the N2 as a result of aquaplaning: one at Fairbreeze, two near the eSikhaleni off-ramp and one at KwaMbonambi.
While there were no fatalities, traffic flow was affected while waiting for tow trucks and emergency services to arrive on scene.
Empangeni residents took to Facebook about the flooding in Louis Botha Avenue.
“It’s not flooding, it’s poor drainage due to lack of maintenance from the municipality,” said Mthokozisi Mthobisi.
Heidi Rheeder said, “This is not flooding, it comes from the drains being blocked.”
One resident even took it upon himself to unblock a stormwater drain and record the water swirling down the unobstructed system once his work was done.
Total rainfall over Monday and Tuesday:
- Richards Bay CBD 103mm
- Empangeni 82mm
- KwaMbonambi 82mm
- eTeza 74mm
- Salpine 95mm
Nyalazi received only 30mm, while the area between Richards Bay airfield and KwaMbonambi experienced 126mm.
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