Beaches north of the Umgeni estuary have been closed today following chemical contamination at Umhlanga Lagoon.

A chemical plant at Cornubia, near Umhlanga, was set alight by looters on Tuesday, July 13.

ORIGINAL STORY: Watch: Firefighters battle chemical plant fire as contaminated water spews out to sea

The closure has seen the following beaches and tidal pools closed:

• Beachwood
• Virginia
• Glenashley
• La Lucia
• Umhlanga
• Bronze
• Umdloti
• La Mercy
• Tongaat

The closure follows consultation with KZN Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.

“Authorities are engaging with other local municipalities further north as a precautionary measure. The public are advised to avoid these beaches at this time until it is deemed safe,” eThekwini said.

At Umhlanga Lagoon, video footage has surfaced showing countless dead fish, crustacean-life and even worms in the soil having died.

Seagulls have also started consuming the dead fish and eThekiwni reports that already bird life have started to succumb to the contaminated river species.

“Extensive environmental impacts are being reported at Umhlanga and Umdloti Lagoons and beaches in the vicinity, that have killed numerous species of marine and bird life.

“The pollution is considered serious and can affect one’s health if species are collected and consumed. Lagoon and seawater contact must be avoided.”

According to eThekwini, clean up crews are trying to deal with the spill and other sources are also being investigated.

Residents around the area reported smoke residue from the already burned chemical products.

It is said that the smell can be picked up from time to time depending on the wind direction as it dissipates.

“Residents are advised to close windows and doors and put wet cloths over vents until smoke clears as a precautionary measure.”