KZN flash floods: At least 4 people missing, roads washed away

Heavy rain has caused havoc in areas such as Richards Bay, Tongaat, Stanger, uMhlanga and several other areas north of Durban.

Last night saw KZN battered by flash floods, leading to at least four people being reported as missing.

While the Zululand region appears to have been largely saved from the effects of flooding, Richards Bay experienced a mass power outage after the storm tripped Eskom’s Impala substation at around 22:00.

Investigations began once the storm had subsided, and a fault was found at Taurus substation. Repairs began in earnest and power was restored by 09:00.

While rainfall figures are still trickling in, Arboretum Extension recorded 70mm.

Elsewhere in the province, various rivers burst their banks, with Tongaat and Stanger suffering flooded roads and sinkholes as a result.

Photo: IPSS Search & Rescue.

Various roads closer to Durban are closed due to flooding, landslides and sinkholes.

Two people have gone missing from their home in Tongaat, while a further two are reported as missing after reportedly attempting to cross swollen rivers in Groutville and Maphumulo.

IPSS Search and Rescue has been involved in rescue and recovery operations since late last night.

They have joined forces with uMhlali SAPS K9 Search and Rescue, but as at 10:00, the raging rivers were too dangerous to attempt operations.

Other parts also heavily affected

Northglen News reports flooding, which occurred after a heavy downpour of 100mm within 90 minutes last night, has caused severe damage to properties in uMhlanga and several other areas north of Durban.

Emer-G-Med spokesperson Kyle van Reenen said their paramedics and several other emergency service agencies had their hands full across the greater eThekwini region after a deluge of rain fell.

“Multiple calls came in through various support networks for localised flooding, structural collapses and residents stuck in their homes. No fatalities were reported,” he said.

A sinkhole has formed on Chartwell Drive following the flood last night. Photo: Facebook.

Ward 35 councillor Nicole Bollman told the publication that certain roads had been closed due to damage and flooding, and several houses were left without water and electricity as a result of the floods.

“Residents in Oakley Road had to be evacuated last night. Boundary walls have also collapsed, and there’s debris on the roads. There are also reports of power outages which are being attended to. As per previous times, the department will work with the critical – those that are a potential threat to life, first, working their way to mass outages, and so on,” she said.

Also read: Severe weather: 3 lives lost, homes destroyed in KZN

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Ruan de Ridder

A digital support specialist at Caxton Local Media, known for his contributions to the digital landscape. He has covered major stories, including the Moti kidnappings, and edits and curates news of national importance from over 50 Caxton Local News sites.
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