Heavy rains hit most of Northern KZN on Friday evening (January 10), causing flash flooding in Bergville and Ladysmith.

Bergville flooding

According to Okhahlamba Chief Fire Officer Fred Halgreen, no fatalities were reported, with flooding lasting about an hour and a half. The flash flood, caused by storm-water, poured down the main street and flooded several shops.

Halgreen confirmed that a damage assessment is being conducted today (January 11).

Ladysmith flooding

According to one local farmer, 24mm of rain fell in a very short space of time in Ladysmith. Others report that it may have been as high as 46mm (Hospital Park).

Ladysmith itself was hit with minor flooding in Lyell Street as the storm-water drainage system failed. This and severe pooling of water on roads.

Alfred Duma Local Municipality has blamed the failure of the storm-water drainage system on roadworks currently being done by SANRAL.

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