FLASH FLOODS: Three dead as storm leaves trail of utter devastation in Margate [ PICS]
At the moment (mid morning) the weather is fine, but the South African Weather Service has issued a Level 5 warning nonetheless.
Police have embarked on a very difficult mission to extricate the bodies of three people from a vehicle which has ended up down an embankment, believed to have been swept off the road in Margate during yesterday’s storm.
This was during the storm that lashed the area late yesterday evening and on into the night.
@southcoastherald Last night’s storm has wrecked havoc in Margate. Businesses in and around the CBD are trying to save what they can this morning. *Videos taken off Whatsapp groups. . #weather #floods #Margate #devastation #rain
Members of Port Shepstone K9 Search and Rescue Unit were on the scene from early today, using the jaws of life to break open the vehicles and access the bodies of the victims. It is believed the people in the car was a couple with their child, but this is unconfirmed.
A full police report is still awaited to confirm these details.
Residents are urged to be on high alert as the South African Weather Services has released a Level 5 warning for today (Monday, April 15). Disruptive rain is predicted for Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, Umzumbe and Umdoni areas.
This comes after the massive storm wreaked havoc along the KZN South Coast coastline, but especially in Margate.
READ: SCARY: Flash flood hits Margate – VIDEO
Initial reports are that it was the Margate CBD that was hit the hardest.
Roads, buildings and infrastructure have been washed away in some places.
READ: On This Day: Floods of 2022 as KZN faced catastrophic natural disaster – April 12
Eskom said the storm resulted in extensive power outages. Eskom technicians have started to restore power in certain areas, while others are inaccessible at this stage.
“It’s important to treat all installations as live,” said a spokesman.
See images below taken this morning (Monday, April 15) in Margate:
