The recent heavy rains which began on Sunday, 24/07/2016, have wreaked havoc on eThekwini, and have flooded homes, caused structural damage and motor vehicle collisions in various parts of the City.
The eThekwini Municipality Disaster Management team has been on the ground, monitoring and evaluating the damage caused to homes and roads around the City.
Structural collapse and mud slides
The first incident of a wall collapse was reported at uMlazi D-section. One person was trapped and later rescued. He sustained serious injuries.
Incidents of structural collapse were also reported in areas such as Palmiet Quarry Road West, Calendula Crescent, Mayville, Twilight Avenue, Avoca Hills and Quarts Drive. No-one was injured during these incidents.
We have received three reports of mudslides in eZimbokodweni, Mayville and Rickburn Crescent. Two people were buried during a mudslide in Mayville and more than 30 homes were washed away in Mayville. No fatalities were reported.
Flooding
The Disaster Management Centre has also been inundated with reports of flooded homes in areas such as uThongathi, uMlazi, Bonela, Crimpy Avenue, Isiphingo Hills and Amanzimtoti.
Motorists and commuters spent hours trapped in traffic due to heavy flooding of roads and bridges.
Accidents
Twenty people escaped with injuries when two buses collided on Old North Coast Road. No fatalities were reported.
There were also accidents reported on Higginson Highway, the N2 near Amanzimtoti, the N3 before the Marianhill Plaza, the M65 near uThongathi, M7 west bound at Queenburgh and the M35 near the Philani Mall.
Motorists are urged to drive with caution on the following roads:
• M19 /Mount Batten bridge which is still flooded
• N2 South bound and North bound
• M34 before the Excel garage, is closed due to a high number of accidents
• Dicksen Road has a sink hole
• Andrew Zondo Road is still flooded
• Urboni and Oak Avenue are obstructed
• Mount Edgecombe Drive and Palm View Drive id obstructed
• Prince Mcwayizeni Road
• Booth Road near the Sasol garage is also closed off for the removal of a vehicle
• Inanda Road remains flooded
Drownings
One near drowning incident was reported in eZimbokodweni near uMlazi Y-section. Two children were washed away in a stream, however they were rescued by the South African Police Search and Rescue team. No fatalities have been reported.
Power outages
We have received over 400 reports of power outages from various parts of the City.
The faults are largely due to water seeping into our power stations.
Our call centre agents and technical staff are doing their best to assist affected customers.
Residents are encouraged to report faults to the City’s Electricity Contact Centre on 080 13 13 111, sms: 083 700 0819 or email custocare@elec.durban.gov.za.
Areas affected by the heavy rains include:
1. Ward 90 Isiphingo transit camp, Pilgrim informal settlement
2. Ward 86 Malukazi, uMlazi Y-section
3. Ward 74 uMlazi Mega village
4. Ward 96 eFolweni
5. Ward 54 Inanda
6. Ward 87 uMlazi D-section
7. Ward 93 eZimbokodweni
8. Ward 29 Cato Manor
9. Ward 30 Mayville
10. Ward 68 Chatsworth
11. Ward 77 uMlazi H-section
12. Ward 83 uMlazi M-section
13. Ward 47 KwaMashu M-section
14. Ward 85 uMlazi W-section
15. Ward 84 uMlazi K-section
16. Ward 27 Morningside
17. Ward 88 uMlazi S-section
18. Ward 82 uMlazi N-section
Mayor Cllr James Nxumalo has advised motorists to remain cautious during this period.
“We advise community members to refrain from crossing low-lying bridges and to avoid streams. We are monitoring areas around the City that are prone to flooding,” he said.
He assured residents of the City’s commitment to ensuring their safety at this time.
Disaster Management officials will continue conducting physical assessments of the damage and providing the necessary disaster support.
For emergencies and flooding, residents are urged to call the Disaster Management Centre on 031 361 0000.
