[WATCH] La Mercy landslide claims road and rips home apart

Inclement weather has lashed across KwaZulu-Natal over the past day, causing localised flooding around the province and largescale property damage.

In the case of La Mercy, rains washed down gradient from the Anton Lembede Academy towards Twilight Avenue (where the Reddy’s house is located) and the parallel Marina Road further down the hill.

The landslide was caused by the bursting of a 600mm storm water drain at the academy, said ward 58 councillor, Geoff Pullan.

The most severely damaged house belongs to Anita Reddy and family, which caused it to partly collapse into a deep gully caused by the landslide.

“It is not completely clear when the landslide first occurred, but we think it was in the early hours of the morning,” said Pullan.

Most of the homes in the area are built on top of sand and sandstone which quickly gave way once the initial gully had formed, he said.

“The landslide continues to widen the gully with the rain still ongoing and I saw further damage while I was there this morning. A streetlight was pulled down and more and more of the Reddys home is being taken in the landslide.”

Municipal engineers arrived this morning and they are currently trying to protect La Mercy residents from further damage.

As a precautionary measure, water and electricity has been turned off in the immediate area.

On Marina Road, a number of cars have been trapped by the sand and debris that flowed down the gully, but there is currently no damage to the homes, said Pullan.

“There have thankfully been no injuries and we are helping the affected families evacuate.”

Rains are expected to continue overnight, be careful while driving and plan for poor visibility and slippery roads.