With a warning issued that beachside infrastructure could be damaged, all KwaDukuza beaches and tidal pools on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast have been temporarily closed. (Video below.)

Severe wave conditions began battering the coast during the night, with debris washing up at several beaches.

Images from the Ballito National Sea Rescue Institute show that stairways at several beaches have been damaged owing to the rough seas, with Ballito’s promenade also covered in debris at some parts.

Clarke Bay has seen waves push in as close as the promenade, while further north, Sheffield Beach is still being lashed.

At Salt Rock Main Beach, water has reached as far as the lifeguard building.

The huge waves are expected to continue for the next two to three days, KwaDukuza lifeguard superintendent Bongani Xulu says.

“It’s not safe to go to any of the beaches now. We are advising everyone to stay off beaches for the time being,” he says.

No injuries have been reported yet.