NATIONAL NEWS - Heavy weather conditions have caused widespread flooding across the South Coast, triggering an immediate response from disaster management teams.
According to the South Coast Herald, authorities have received numerous emergency calls from residents affected by rising floodwaters. In response, teams from Ugu Disaster Management and Ray Nkonyeni Municipality Fire and Rescue Services have been deployed to conduct evacuations and assist affected communities.
Several roads are impassable due to severe flooding.
Affected areas include:
- N2 Murchison
- Umbango Bridge
- Kwangwabe
- Grace Low Level Bridge
- Beach Garage
- Nkongweni Bridge (Margate)
- OK Foods and Pharmacy (Margate)
SAPS, Emergency Medical Services, and other emergency units have been activated to support relief efforts.
KZN Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi has assured residents that disaster response teams are working around the clock to rescue those trapped by the floods.
“Our priority is the safety and well-being of our residents,” stated MEC Buthelezi. “We are working tirelessly to assist those affected by the floods and to lessen further damage.”
No fatalities have been reported at this stage, but residents are urged to exercise extreme caution and avoid travelling in affected areas.
Key interventions co-ordinated by the Provincial Disaster Management Centre:
- Disaster management teams are actively evacuating high-risk areas.
- Emergency services are on standby to provide medical assistance and support.
- Road closures are in place for several key routes.
The public is advised to monitor local news and official channels for further updates.
Meanwhile, The Witness reports that five people, including three children, are believed to have been washed away in a canal in KZN during torrential rain.
The tragedy occurred in Lamontville near Umlazi, south of Durban, last night.
ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson said they responded to the scene on Gwala Street early this morning.
“Torrential rain and flooding that took place last night has left a trail of destruction. Five people are believed to have been washed into the canal.”
Jamieson said the search for the victims was called off.
“The search has been called off due to dangerous terrain and lack of lighting. Paramedics, Durban Metro Police and Durban Search and Rescue teams, together with the eThekwini Fire Department, searched the surrounding area.
“A joint decision was made that all units will return at first light to resume the search for the missing five people,” Jamieson said.
Read original story on www.citizen.co.za
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