ICYMI: KZN residents evacuated, mudslides, roads washed away [Video]

Just look at the videos! The heavy rain in KZN has caused roadways to wash away, mudslides, houses to collapse, and residents evacuated as it wreaks havoc on Saturday evening.

SEVERAL KZN RESIDENTS EVACUATED AND ROADWAYS WASHED AWAY

According to Medi Responses search and rescue unit, together with SAPS SAR, SAPS divers, and the NSRI, responded to several incidents on Saturday evening.

“We were on the scene in the Desainager area, where a roadway has washed away, taking with it a vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was lucky to escape unharmed.”

Furthermore, the Medi Response operations control center has received numerous calls for localized flooding, mainly in the Tongaat area.

“Multiple units are attending to calls. We urge the community to stay off of the roads where possible. Please monitor waterways and water bodies within proximity to your home.

“Be vigilant and vacate an area if you anticipate the risk of rising waters. Our crews are available to assist as required.”

VIDEO:

COMMUNITY HALLS ARE OPEN TO ACCOMMODATE THOSE AFFECTED

Earlier on Saturday evening, the Medi Responses search and rescue unit successfully evacuated a compromised building in the Umdloti area.

“The structure was deemed compromised after large volumes of water seemingly undermined the foundation.”

The eThekkwini Municipality said that the city’s community halls remain open to accommodate those affected by today’s heavy rain.

VIDEO:

KZN FLOODS: HERE IS THE LIST OF CONTACT NUMBERS:

• KZN Emergency Medical Service – 10177
• eThekkwini Fire and Emergency Services – 031 361 0000
• St. Johns Ambulance – 031 305 6588
• Netcare – 082 911
• Fire and Disaster Management – 031 361 000
• Stormwater, Burst Mains, Water Pollution, and sewer faults – 080 131 3013
• Mountain Rescue – 080 000 5133
• Sea Rescue – 031 361 8667
• Nettow – 083 700 6854
• Medi Responses search and rescue unit – 087 3303 911

WHAT ROADS SHOULD YOU AVOID:

• North Beach Road Umdloti.
• The entrance into Umdloti has also partially collapsed. Please be cautious.
• N3 towards CBD.
• Quarry Road eastbound. The road is completely flooded and is a no-go area.
• Genezano Rd, Seatides due to a collapsed bank
• Sanele Nxumalo Lane, near the stadium, as water has covered both lanes of that road.
• Residents, please avoid or use caution on
• Fields Hill. A bank has collapsed, leaving only one lane accessible going up before Kloof.
• Cope Road, on the lower end of Alphine Road off Sydenham.

Earlier on Saturday, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) increased its disruptive rain warning for KZN to level 10.

Initially, there was a yellow level 4 rain warning which was also increased to an orange level 5. Switching from a yellow to an orange warning means that more damage to infrastructure is expected, and the potential for fatalities is rising, but red is more dangerous.

The current level 10 red warning is in place from Saturday, 21 May at 15:00 until Sunday, 22 May at 23:59.

The weather service said widespread showers and thundershowers are expected across KZN as a result of a cut-off low associated with a surface high.