KZN’s heavy rains claim 4 lives and temporarily close beaches

The death toll from this week’s relentless heavy rains in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has risen to four, with the victims including two 13-year-olds and a 12-year-old. The eThekwini Municipality has also announced the temporary closure of seven beaches due to muddy water and pollution stemming from flooded estuaries.

Disaster Management Responds to Multiple Incidents

Gugu Sisilana, spokesperson for the eThekwini Municipality, confirmed that the City’s Disaster Management teams and emergency services have been actively responding to numerous incidents reported since Wednesday.

“The adverse weather experienced in the City led to the collapse of formal and informal structures, with reports of entrapments being attended to by authorities. Four fatalities were reported in Folweni, KwaMakhutha, Demat, and Ensimbini after a wall collapsed while the occupants were asleep,” Sisilana stated.

The four victims tragically lost their lives due to structural collapses caused by the intense rains. Emergency teams have since been working around the clock to provide aid to affected families and prevent further fatalities.

Roads Blocked by Uprooted Trees

In addition to the structural damages, there have been numerous reports of uprooted trees blocking roads in several areas. Key affected locations include Chatsworth, Umkhomazi, Morningside, and Verulam. The City’s emergency response teams have been deployed to clear road obstructions and restore traffic flow as quickly as possible.

Flood Risks and Swollen Canals

Canals in many areas are flowing at full capacity, posing a significant flood risk to nearby properties. The areas south of Durban, particularly near Isipingo and Prospecton, are at heightened risk. Residents in these regions have been urged to remain vigilant and take precautions to protect their homes and families.

The City’s Forecast Early Warning System indicated that Amanzimtoti, located south of Durban’s central business district, received a staggering 184mm of rain between midnight and 5 a.m. on Thursday. Other areas heavily affected by the torrential downpours include Morton, Chatsworth, and Isipingo.

Temporary Beach Closures

The eThekwini Municipality has temporarily closed seven beaches due to safety concerns. The affected beaches are:

• uMdloti Beach
• Isiphingo Beach
• Pipeline Beach
• Toti Main Beach
• Warner Beach
• Winklespruit Beach
• uMgababa Beach

The closures were prompted by pollution and muddy water flowing into the ocean from flooded estuaries. The City has assured residents and tourists that the beaches will be reopened as soon as conditions are deemed safe.

“These beaches will be reopened as soon as conditions allow,” the City said in a statement.

Precautions and Warnings

Local authorities continue to monitor weather patterns and are urging residents to stay indoors as much as possible, especially those living in flood-prone areas. Motorists are advised to avoid driving through flooded roads and to remain cautious of fallen debris and other hazards caused by the heavy rainfall.

The City’s disaster management teams remain on high alert, ready to respond to any new emergencies as conditions evolve. Emergency shelters have been set up for those displaced by flooding, and efforts are underway to provide food and other essential supplies to affected communities.

Looking Ahead

Weather forecasts indicate that more rainfall may be on the horizon, heightening the need for continued vigilance. Residents are encouraged to stay tuned to official weather updates and follow instructions from emergency services to ensure their safety.

While the rain has brought significant challenges to KwaZulu-Natal, the swift response from emergency teams and the cooperation of residents are essential to mitigating the impact of the ongoing weather crisis. As conditions improve, the City will focus on restoring normalcy and repairing the damage caused by the floods.

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