City implements emergency response following floods
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Date: 2025-03-17 13:01:32

City implements emergency response following floods

ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
14 MARCH 2025
 
CITY IMPLEMENTS EMERGENCY RESPONSE FOLLOWING FLOODS
 
EThekwini Municipality’s Disaster Management and Emergency teams are assessing the damage caused by the severe heavy rains experienced in eThekwini yesterday, 13 March.
 
According to the South African Weather Services (SAWS), an orange level 6 disruptive rainfall warning with potential flooding and a yellow level 4 for severe thunderstorms are still in place today, 14 March until early tomorrow.
 
Emergency teams swiftly responded to an incident last night which resulted in the death of a 54-year-old female whose vehicle washed away while attempting to cross a low-lying bridge.
 
Emergency rescue services worked tirelessly throughout the night to assist affected residents. 
 
Ten people were rescued on the M19 West Bound near Reservoir Hills after their vehicles were submerged in water.
 
The western region of eThekwini was the most affected by flooding where incidents of localised flooding, overflow of low-water bridges, collapse of structures, mudslides, and fallen trees were reported.
 
ELECTRICITY  
Several electricity sub-stations were flooded, which the department is attending to.
 
Although the rain was concentrated in certain areas of the City, the adverse weather conditions has resulted in several power outages in areas including Kloof, Umzinyathi, KwaMashu, Ntuzuma, Avoca, oThongathi, Tshelimnyama, New Germany, Westville, and KwaDabeka among others.
 
Repairs are underway; however, restoration may take longer than usual due to continuous rain and how widespread the outages are.
 
ROADS
A number of roads in the City have flooded and teams continue to work tirelessly, conducting road clean-ups to ensure accessibility.
 
Affected roads include the N2, M19, M4, Umgeni Road and several roads in Pinetown. Stapleton Road remains closed until further notice. 
 
Heaton Nicholson Drive Bridge is also unstable, and City engineers are conducting an assessment while the road remains closed.
 
WATER
Clinics in Pinetown have been affected by the adverse weather, with some of the infrastructure damaged. 
 
However, services continue to be provided to the public.
 
As a result of damaged infrastructure, the Water and Sanitation Unit has reported extended water outages in the Inner West area. 
Water tankers have been deployed to affected communities.
 
BEACHES
Some beaches in the North and South have been affected by the severe flooding and are temporarily closed until further notice. 
 
The closure is due to the flooding, which resulted in muddy water and large amounts of debris from rivers spilling into the sea.
 
This has led to the temporary closure of some eThekwini beaches. The public will be notified when the beaches reopen.
 
Motorists are advised to follow traffic reports and use alternative routes where possible.
 
Further updates will be communicated as soon as information becomes available.
The public can report emergencies on 031 361 0000 or 031 322 2966 or 031 322 2967.
 
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Communications Unit.