The Greater Durban area, encompassing Tongaat, Verulam, and Phoenix, is currently grappling with extensive flooding, paralyzing normal activities and prompting fears of more storms on the horizon.
Numerous roads in the affected areas are submerged, rendering them impassable and creating no-go zones. In Verulam and Dawncrest, collapsing walls have raised concerns of potential evacuations as residents brace for the impact of anticipated storms.
Response efforts have been mobilized, with eThekweni Metro disaster units and private security firms joining forces to address multiple flooding emergencies. The Response Unit South Africa (RUSA) has reported a staggering 157 calls since Saturday evening, encompassing Phoenix, Verulam, and Tongaat in KZN. Calls range from requests for rescue and medical assistance to reports of property damage due to flash flooding.
Evacuations have become a necessity for many residents as homes succumb to flooding, resulting in dozens of families and animals being transported to safety. RUSA is actively coordinating its relocation efforts. The floods have inflicted significant damage on hundreds of homes, roads, and bridges, with several residential roads closed. Unfortunately, two officers sustained injuries during rescue operations.
The Umgeni Road interchange and the N2N/M19 offramp are submerged, trapping vehicles, while numerous roads in Umhlanga, including parts of M4, Kingston/Herald Drive, Marine Drive, Chartwell Drive, Forest Drive, Newlands Drive, Rinaldo Road, and Nandi Drive, are either flooded or damaged, with reports of sinkholes and collapsed walls.
Councillor Nicole Bollman has issued a warning that rescue units are overwhelmed with calls from Ballito to Verulam. Residents are urged to contact disaster management at 0313610000 for assistance. Caution is advised in the affected areas.
South of the city, reports also indicate flooding in Moorton corner, the M19 below the N2 bridge, Silverglen’s Reddys corner, and Road 701 near Montford shopping center. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes, particularly to avoid RK Khan Circle opposite the police station, where the road is submerged.
Emergency services are imploring residents to stay informed about local warnings and prepare for potential developments in the weather situation.