Umdloti bounces back to its best after April and May floods
It was residents who initiated the first major clean-up operations, removing tons of sand and debris from North Beach Road where a blockage had trapped some families.
After two bouts of devastating floods, Umdloti’s community spirit has quickly put the town back on its feet.
Despite weeks without services, with some homes cut off from the rest of town, the willingness to help never faltered and Umdloti is now up and running again.
The positive attitude first became clear as the floods ravaged on, when community members jumped in to help each other, whether by assisting with evacuations during the deluge or joining in the clean-up efforts afterwards.
“I saw first-hand how Umdloti residents banded together, often when there was no one else to rely on given the scope of the situation,” said Umdloti Smart Village precinct manager, Vicky Schnetler.
“This was clearly illustrated when people were fighting for their lives and also in the weeks since as no services were delivered to the community.”
“We had no choice but to figure it out. Everyone was so generous in donating funds and we immediately hired machinery for the job to ensure that everybody was safe and out of the risk zone,” Schnetler said.
“The focus then turned to coordinating relief efforts and collecting donated water to distribute effectively. Even other flood-stricken areas opened their pockets to help out – it was amazing to see.”
After the worst was over, it became a case of returning the town to its former glory.
“Once it was clear that everyone was safe, further clean-ups were initiated, with hundreds turning out at every time of asking. Most recently, we had huge support for a beach clean-up at South Beach,” said SandBar restaurant owner, Leonard Staples.
Washed away roads have since been repaired, with water back in the taps and all of Umdloti’s famous hospitality facilities back open.
The beach-facing strip of top-class restaurants and accommodation establishments again confirms Umdloti’s status as one of the country’s best loved attractions.
In a confined area, you have access to some of the best cuisine and entertainment anywhere in KwaZulu-Natal, and now there is no reason not to return.
Accessible to both Durban and Ballito, make the day trip to Umdloti to see it better than ever before.
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