Statement: KZN Cogta teams sent to assist at flood-hit areas
Excessive rains have caused flash floods in some parts of the province with the greater Durban area being the most affected.
Excessive rains have caused flash floods in some parts of the province with the greater Durban area being the most affected.
For the past three days many parts of KZN have been receiving more than average rainfall with some areas especially in Durban and surrounding reporting cases of flooding.
At least 8 wards are affected in Durban including areas such as Isipingo, Mega Village, Malukazi, K Section, Bayview, Seacowlake, Lamontville, Chartsworth, Resevoir Hills.
At least one fatality has been reported of a 1 year-old child in uMlazi. Preliminary reports indicate that the death was caused by a landslide in ward 88.
“We have activated all our disaster centers and increased the capacity in Ethekwini so that we can speedily respond and assist affected communities. Our teams are on the ground providing all forms of emergency support that may be required by residents. Our joint Operations Committee is open 24hours and we appeal to people to contact our teams urgently should they require assistance”, said Cogta MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube.
“The focus for now is on providing the first line of support and assisting people in distress and possible danger of flooding. We urge communities to cooperate with the instructions of emergency personnel. We also urge motorists to exercise caution on the roads as some roads are flooded and there is a possibility of debris that may be obstructing thoroughfares. We have temporarily closed the Jacobs off ramp as a precautionary measure. Indeed our teams have their hands full but we are managing the situation” added Dube-Ncube.
The rains are welcomed to provide relief since our province is in a drought crisis; however it’s too soon to tell if there will be impact in breaking the drought disaster. We remain on full alert as weather services have warned us to expect more rain today.
Communities are advised to contact disaster and emergency teams on this toll-free number: 0800 000 953.
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