Durban - Weekend-long heavy rains have left many roads and streets in Durban and surrounding areas flooded.
As a result, motorists have had to find alternative routes while pedestrians have found it difficult to access pavements through pools of water.
The South African Weather Service (Saws) issued an orange level 5 warning for KwaZulu-Natal coastal areas.
As people got ready for work, they were inundated with social media messages and news reports about roads that were flooded.
The eThekwini Municipality mayor Mxolisi Kaunda has urged residents to be vigilant as the city continues to experience heavy rainfall.
Saws expected that eThekwini would continue to experience rains and cold weather on Monday and Tuesday.
The municipality said the downpours has resulted in two fatalities – one from KwaMashu’s ward 47 and the other in uMlazi’s ward 87. The Disaster Management and Emergency Services teams are on the ground conducting city-wide assessments on effect of the wet weather on vulnerable residents.
Kaunda urged eThekwini residents to drive carefully and be cautious when using fires to keep warm.
“On behalf of eThekwini Municipality, we wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. We also want to caution residents that while driving on wet roads, motorists must ensure that they do not speed, that they keep a safe following distance, and obey the rules of the road to avoid accidents. We also plead for the responsible use of fire, as the City is prone to fire disasters, particularly in informal settlements during such inclement weather,” Kaunda said.
In case of an emergency, residents are urged to contact the City’s Disaster Management Centre on 031 361 000.
eManzimtoti and its surrounding areas were some of the most affected.
Among areas affected as reported:
- The eThekwini Municipality said the Waterfall Clinic was flooded due to the heavy rains and some sections are closed while clean-up operations are under way. Patients can expect services to be delayed.
- Toti River has overrun at Hutchison Road.
- eManzimtoti central business district.
- Central business district flooded.
- Bridge at the Kingsway and Kuswag schools affected and many roads compromised. Schools are closed today for safety reasons, due to the heavy rains expected later. “At this stage, our school is fine and all the children are safe,” said a spokesperson. “However, many roads have been compromised. Staff will remain at school until all children have gone home.”
- P200 between Izotsha and Gamalakhe closed, due to flooding.
- South Coast Road in Durban flooded across all four lanes just before the Eel Road robots. Trucks and cars driving on the wrong side of the road, caution urged.
- Isipingo Rail Inwabi Road flooded.
- The road at Yanks Tyres is flooding, also at the transit camps.
- Large parts of Higginson Highway going from Pinetown to Chatsworth are waterlogged.
- Isundu Drive by Kingfisher Road under water.
- Edwin Swales Drive. Deep water before and under the M4 bridge. Keep right.
- Longacres Drive near the Department of Sanitation is flooded over the pavements, many cars are turning around.
- Shulton Park, eManzimtoti area affected by water.
- N2 both lanes opposite the old airport are flooded.
- Ridge Road flooded as you turn up towards Argyle Road, Berea.
Daily News