South Coast pounded by massive storm
Damage caused by wind and rain is still being assessed.
THE South Coast woke to scenes of devastation this morning after enduring a harrowing night of exceptionally heavy rain and gale-force winds.
According to Margate Airport control tower records, the rainfall for the previous 24 hours was an amazing 179.5mm and a number of South Coast residents in other areas recorded similar figures. The control tower also reported an overnight average wind speed of 45kph.
Hibiscus Coast Municipal spokesman Simon Soboyisa said the municipality was still assessing the consequences of the storm but did not provide the South Coast Herald with any more information, although it was requested.
Ugu District Municipality spokesman Sipho Khuzwayo said a number of dwellings and other buildings, including the municipality’s offices in Olso Beach, had suffered rain and wind damage. Regarding the Oslo Beach offices, the roof of the phase one building, where the call centre was housed, had sustained extensive damage. Insurers were still assessing the costs.
Many South Coast residents contacted the Herald to report flooded homes. Throughout the area, roofs, awnings, verandahs and even a large entertainment tent took a hammering, the wind inflicting serious damage or even totally destroying them. A massive old tree near the Port Shepstone Magistrate’s Court was blown over by the wind.
With storm damage causing road closures, mudslides, serious washaways and road surface damage, on busy main routes as well as side roads throughout the area, early morning commuters had to exercise extreme caution and even take detours. Major repair work had to be undertaken, causing further traffic disruption, at the scene of a massive pipe burst near Margate Police Station. Don’t put away your brollies and wellington boots just yet. More rain is predicted for the rest of this week. For more pics, visit our gallery
