By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The eThekwini municipality has set up an emergency joint operations team to coordinate the response to the heavy winds and rains that wreaked havoc in some parts of Phoenix, Inanda, Ntuzuma and KwaMashu areas, as well as in Folweni on Tuesday afternoon.
The municipality has noted that emergency and rescue teams have already been dispatched to affected areas to assess the extent of the damage and offer assistance.
“The joint operations team will coordinate assistance, such as machinery, to move debris. A search and rescue team is also being deployed to affected areas,” the municipality said.
For any emergencies, residents are advised to contact the city’s emergency line on 031 361 0000.
One person died after their informal home in Mayville washed away, while two other people drowned after their car washed away in a river on Caversham Road in Pinetown.
According to Robert McKenzie from Emergency Medical Services they responded to calls for help in the Cato Crest, Mayville area.
“It was reported that several informal dwellings had been washed away in the heavy rain.
“Sadly, one person sustained fatal injuries in this incident and six others were treated for injuries at the scene,” he said.
“However, no other fatalities were reported to EMS at this stage,” he added.
KwaZulu-Natal premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube said,” so far there are 200 people who have been registered and need help. Those whose homes are partially damaged will be given building vouchers, while others would be temporarily accommodate in flats and residential units.”
Dube-Ncube said after a government visit to Inanda, north of Durban, on Wednesday along with eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda and Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi.
She appealed to communities to be honest during the process of identifying those in need.
Several roads and low-lying areas were affected.
Kubayi reiterated the call from the government for people to refrain from settling in flood-prone areas as this places them at high risk. Kubayi said officials were still assessing the damage.
Kubayi said the government would look into providing building vouchers to assist affected families to rebuild their homes.
The South African Weather Services (SAWS) forecast on Tuesday placed Ugu District Municipality (encompassing Ray Nkonyeni, Umuziwabantu, Umdoni and Umzumbe Local Municipalities) on orange level 6 alert, which is the second highest warning level.
SAWS forecasted heavy rains that are anticipated to persist from Tuesday through to Wednesday morning.
The forecast warned that eThekwini Metro, along with the coastal areas, will experience widespread showers and thundershowers. The intensity will be moderate, with scattered rainfall.
COGTA warned that Margate and Port Edward have already reported rainfall measurements of 89mm and 49mm respectively since Monday. However, weather models indicate that additional rainfall is expected over the Ugu District Municipality, gradually subsiding early on Wednesday.
“It is crucial to acknowledge the potential risks associated with these heavy rains. Flooding of roads, bridges, and settlements, both formal and informal, is highly likely. The fast-flowing streams and deep waters pose a significant threat to life.
“Moreover, the flooding may cause major disruptions to traffic flow, impacting essential services such as water, electricity, and communication. Additionally, there is a risk of damage to mud-based houses in the affected areas,” the department said.