DURBAN – Disaster Management has been on high alert the entire weekend in KwaZulu-Natal after the South Africa Weather Services issued a warning for heavy rains and localised floods.
The warning was issued so that communities may brace themselves for any disruptive weather. However, the heavy rains were much powerful than anticipated and included extreme winds. This devastating occurrence has left 138 people homeless and hopeless in Emadlangeni Municipality. About 16 people had to be removed from the dangerous flooded area.
A bridge nearby has also collapsed due to the heavy downpours. Simultaneously, in the second municipality known as Greater Kokstad, 122 people were also obligated to evacuate their homes after a local river had bust its banks, causing more flooding. The whole community was engulfed in water.
Meanwhile, Mamelodi township in Tshwane has also suffered from the floods that occurred on Friday evening. The entire informal settlement has been left trapped, but sadly the residents are saying no to any assistance that is being offered. They are refusing any help from the authorities. However, EMS divers have since offered to help save those who are still stranded in the flood unfortunately, they were also turned away.
At this point, no fatalities have been reported as yet, but residents are on the lookout. These heavy rains have left communities devastated at large as they have left a trail of destruction in Greater Kokstad, Emadlangeni, Umfolozi, Mtubatuba in Kwazulu Natal and Mamelodi in Tshwane.
