Rainfall returned yesterday along the north coast of KZN as forecast by the South African Weather Service (SAWS), with downpours experienced in parts of uMkhanyakude District, including at Mtubatuba and surrounding areas.

This added to last week’s heavy rainfall that saw the Mfolozi River burst its banks, flood various places and cause the St Lucia estuary to breach naturally to the ocean.

According to an article published by Zululand Observer, the increased water levels in the Msunduzi and Mfolozi rivers resulted in the natural breach after the mouth closed some months ago.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park says it welcomes the breach as it is in line with its Estuary Management Plan and that it will, working with its partners, continuously monitor the system.

However, the breach of the mouth brought little to no relief to those farmers adversely impacted by the back-flooding at the Msunduzi and Mfolozi flats.

Farmers from Sokhulu, affected by the Msunduzi River, and Monzi, affected by the Mfolozi River, reported that water was still flowing onto their farms despite the opening of the mouth.

The concern for farmers was the rainfall experienced inland, which resulted in the floods experienced of late.

The farmers were of the view that the clearing of vegetation – dredging – at both the Msunduzi and Mfolozi rivers could alleviate the back-flooding on their farms.

Last year, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) refused an application by the park to dredge the Msunduzi and Mfolozi flats.

Subsequently, the park on November 18 filed an appeal and it was reported that its outcome was expected by late January.

On Saturday, birds and people were there to catch the fish that washed up on the beach following the breaching of the mouth.

Meanwhile, SAWS warned that the disruptive rainfall forecast for yesterday could lead to localised flooding, causing damage to infrastructure and low-lying areas and bridges.

The water levels at the Mfolozi River were reportedly still high yesterday, with some local roads accessible only with the use of 4×4 vehicles and tractors.

Locals were cautioned to avoid the Mfolozi low-level bridge even though it had been cleared.