Heavy rains continue to batter parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
PHOTO: Darren Stewart/Gallo Images
- As heavy rain continues to lash parts of KwaZulu-Natal, motorists have been warned to drive with caution.
- Various traffic delays have been reported due to waterlogged areas and roads.
- The Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department said much of the province has been affected by inclement weather since the weekend.
KwaZulu-Natal motorists are urged to be vigilant and take extra care on the road due to heavy rain that has hit the province since the weekend, with the potential for some localized flooding.
The inclement weather continued Monday morning as paramedic services reported several dangerous pools of water and traffic delays on eThekwini.
ALS paramedics spokesman Garrith Jamieson said that with torrential rain overnight, several roads were flooded.
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“Some of the roads we have notified the relevant services about include the M7 near the Bellville exit ramp at the S-bends. Puddles of water have started to form there, which has become quite dangerous if a vehicle You have to hit him.”
The area near the old airport along the N2 was also flooded, as well as in Isipingo and surrounding areas where there are multiple areas where water has accumulated.
The M19 was severely waterlogged in both directions, and Jamieson said his crews witnessed multiple collisions on the M19 on Monday morning, in the vicinity of Dunkeld and Reservoir Hills.
A truck overturned on the N3 in Hammarsdale, heading towards Pietermaritzburg, causing delays, it said, adding that there were multiple collisions on Queen Nandi Drive near Newlands East Drive, where services were currently present.
“We encourage people to drive safely today and allow plenty of time to reach their destination,” Jamieson added.
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Sihle Zikalala called on KZN residents “to exercise the utmost caution as inclement weather continues to affect much of the province.”
“The heavy rains and severe storms experienced by the province over the weekend are expected to continue into the week. Continued rains increase the risk of flooding in low-lying areas.”
He urged communities, especially those near rivers or in low-lying areas, to be careful and seek refuge on higher ground.
He said:
We also urge motorists and pedestrians not to cross low bridges or flooded sidewalks. KZN province during the summer season experiences these heavy rains, which sometimes lead to unnecessary loss of life, especially among those trying to cross overflowing rivers.
The department was in constant contact with the disaster management teams in the municipalities and no major incidents have been reported so far, Zikalala said.
“We call on residents to use verified platforms to check for weather-related updates, such as the South African Weather Service’s social media page and news updates. Circulation of old videos and images causes unnecessary panic.”
