KwaZulu-Natal provides an update on latest storms and floods

• Published date: 23 May 2022
• Publication title: South African Official News

Greetings!

We would like to welcome all members of the media who have joined us today virtually, and via our social media platforms.

The purpose of this briefing is to provide an update on the latest situation following the resurgence of storms and floods over the past 24 hours.

Overnight on 21 and 22May 2022, the province yet again underwent some of the worst storms that have been accompanied by floods resulting in destruction that comes with such situations.

We are yet to receive a full comprehensive report on the impact of these latest heavy rains, but as reports come in a worrying picture is however emerging.

The South African Weather Services (SAWS) predicts that the storm will be moving up the coast thus affecting the district of King Cetshwayo and Mkhanyakude.

According to the SAWS the rains have affected mostly the coastal areas with those around eThekwini mostly impacted.

The Province received early warnings at alert LEVEL 10 from the South Africa Weather Service (SAWS) alerting to disruptive rainfall in Hluhluwe, EThekwini, Jozini, KwaDukuza, Mandeni, Maphumulo, Mkhambathini, Mthonjaneni, Mtubatuba, Ndwedwe, Nongoma, Ulundi, Umdoni, Umhlabuyalingana, uMhlathuze, uMlalazi and uPhongolo municipal areas.

So far the greatest impact is expected along the coastal and north-eastern parts of the KZN.

These heavy rainfalls have resulted into flooding of roads, human settlements, and damage properties.

We understand that some areas are inaccessible and have become islands at this stage.

Water levels are being closely monitored in various areas that are prone to flooding so that appropriate measures will be effected.

As the number of calls at the control centre has increased, the department has appealed to the SANDF to be deployed to the Northern parts of Durban for urgent response. The metro police and fire department are assisting with water pumping and road closure where the roads are affected.

However a few roads have been temporary closed around Pinetown and other areas due to flooding.

A number of roads and bridges in Ethekwini, especially uMdloti, La Mercy and others have been affected and we urge road users to be on the alert and to stay at home if possible.

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