KZN disaster teams respond to heavy flooding from Margate to Port Shepstone
Severe flooding along the Ray Nkonyeni coastal belt has prompted the deployment of disaster teams as residents are urged to exercise extreme caution.
Provincial disaster management teams have been deployed along the Ray Nkonyeni coastal belt following severe flooding that struck parts of the KZN south coast yesterday afternoon, causing widespread damage to infrastructure and disrupting road networks.
The Witness reports that KZN MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Thulasizwe Buthelezi confirmed the deployment after intense rainfall hit areas from Margate through Oslo Beach to Port Shepstone from about 16:30.
The downpour resulted in flooded and obstructed roads, fallen trees and the formation of sinkholes, particularly in the Manaba area.
Commercial properties and shopping centres, including Shelly Centre, were also affected by the flooding.
Cogta said no fatalities or injuries had been reported at the time of publishing, despite the extent of the damage.
“We are profoundly relieved that no loss of life or injuries have been reported at this stage,” Buthelezi said.
Emergency response underway
Provincial disaster management teams and fire and rescue services have been fully deployed and remain on high alert.
“Our immediate priority is to ensure the safety of all residents and to stabilise the affected areas with urgency.”
Provincial and municipal disaster management units, with fire and rescue services, are on the ground conducting emergency interventions, clearing debris from main arterial routes and carrying out formal damage assessments.
Emergency responders will remain stationed in the affected areas as weather conditions continue to be monitored in co-ordination with the South African Weather Service.
Residents have been urged to exercise extreme caution, avoid crossing flooded bridges and low-lying roads, stay clear of areas where sinkholes have been identified and report emergencies to their local municipalities.
Rains also affect Pietermaritzburg
Meanwhile, some of the severe rains also hit Pietermaritzburg, with parts of the CBD plunged into darkness at around 22:00.
However, at the time, it is unclear whether the blackout was due to the heavy rains.
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