Rain, rain, rain – and Hibiscus Coast counts the cost
Already it is apparent the storms have caused millions of rands worth of damage.
RESIDENTS of informal dwellings in Louisiana have been hardest hit by flooding and storm damage caused by the strong winds and heavy rains the South coast has experienced since Friday last week.
According to Hibiscus Coast Municipality spokesman Simon Soboyisa there were also reports of heavy flooding in Boboyi, Marburg, Melville and Sunwich Port. Rescue workers are investigating an unconfirmed report that someone might have been swept away by flood waters in the Mbotsha area.
A number of people have had to be evacuated from their homes and the P198, the road to KwaMadlala has been closed because of serious damage. About 250 evacuees have been provided with temporary shelter in the Mayibuye Centre Hall.
An assessment of the total damage caused by the severe weather over the last few days has yet to be finalised and Hibiscus Coast’s Local Incident Response Team is still collecting information. However, it is already apparent the Hibiscus Coast has suffered millions of rands worth of storm damage.
The Disaster Management team from Ugu District Municipality, Hibiscus Coast Municipality and the KZN COGTA is on high alert and is monitoring weather conditions. Hibiscus Coast Municipality is starting to repair damaged roads and bridges. One of its urgent briefs is to make sure that that pupils who have started their matric examinations will be able to get to school. Repairs to road leading to schools, along with those leading to clinics and hospitals, will therefore be prioritised.
According to Margate Airport tower records, the South Coast has received nearly 200mm of rain in four days. On Friday, October 25, 13.5mm was recorded, on Saturday, November 26, a massive 120mm of rain fell. The rain slowed a little overnight but a substantial 47.5mm was measured on October 27 and a further 7mm was recorded yesterday morning.
Don’t put away your wellies and brollies just yet. The tower is expecting the overcast, rainy weather to continue for another three or four days.
