Storm Damage Across The City

The eThekwini Municipality’s Recreation and Parks Directorate, working together with the City’s Emergency Services, are attending to multiple incidents across the city following strong winds that swept through eThekwini this afternoon and early evening, uprooting trees and disrupting traffic in several communities.

No injuries have been reported at this stage.

As at 18h20, 23 fallen trees had been reported across the city. Recreation and Parks teams are cutting and removing fallen trees and clearing debris at the following locations, among others:

• Masabalala Yengwa Avenue (four trees)
• Currie Road (five trees)
• Prospect Road
• Balmoral Road
• Kenneth Kaunda Road
• Ridge Road, uMhlanga
• Mazisi Kunene Road
• John Zikhali Road
• Patrick Duncan Road, Kloof
• Margaret Maytom Avenue
• Hilltop Road, uMkomaas
• Marian Road, Amanzimtoti
• O’Flaherty Road and Quarry Road
• Penzance Road
• Hatton Avenue, Sherwood

The Durban Metro Police Service is managing traffic along affected routes and motorists are urged to follow the directions of officers on the scene.

The full extent of the damage is not yet known.

Assessments are ongoing and the number of reported incidents may change as further reports are received.

Fire Services are also attending to a damaged billboard near the N2 and Queen Nandi Drive, which might pose a risk to road users.

Motorists are advised to avoid the affected routes where possible, reduce speed, and remain alert to fallen trees, debris and damaged structures.

Where trees have brought down electricity cables, the public must not approach or attempt to move them.

Residents are urged to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel where possible, and secure loose objects around homes and properties.

Fallen trees, damaged structures and other wind-related incidents should be reported to the Disaster Management Centre.

The Municipality continues to monitor the situation and will issue further updates as assessments are completed.

For emergencies, contact the City’s Disaster Management Centre on 031 361 0000.