Flood threat for Newcastle
Due to heavy rainfall in the catchment area, the Ncandu river rose by several meters, causing concern among the residents of Paradise.
Newcastle residents living in the lower lying areas along the Ncandu river were woken up late last night by the sounds of flood sirens. Due to heavy rainfall in the catchment area, the Ncandu river rose by several meters, causing concern among the residents of Paradise. The bottom end of Sutherland and Kirkland Streets were closed due to rising water levels.
Shop owners at Park Motors in Barry Hertzog Park also experienced flooding and water damage. The flooding appears to have been caused by blocked roadside storm drains. The rainwater flooded the Park Motors petrol station. Petrol attendants reported that the water was shin deep. The shop owners returned to their shops last night to salvage what they could, and tried to get as much of their stock above water level.
Rain gauges measured last nights rainfall at a hefty 92 mm of rain. At the time, SAPS sent out a warning to residents that Newcastle was experiencing a flood. The flood damage appears to have been minimal, and the water levels have receded and the roads are all accessible again.
