In a sad conclusion to the Easter weekend, several areas in KwaZulu-Natal have experienced torrential downpours causing landslides and road closures. During the course of Monday night, a severe weather warning was sent out by rescue services. Flooded roads had to be closed due to the downpours. Holiday-makers were stranded and could not make their way home. According to Times Live, five people including an infant have died from collapsed houses.
Photos from flooding in KZN …Quarry road informal settlements river #ArriveAlive #Flooding @KZN_EMS @EMERGCONTROL pic.twitter.com/ftzOB0DG4t
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) April 23, 2019
The SA Weather Services say the places most affected by localised flooding are the coastal areas of KwaZulu-Natal, as well as the adjoining interior areas. The South African reported that Chatsworth, Malvern and Overport are experiencing the worst devastation.
Warning:23/04/2019 07h00 TO:23/04/2019 16h00 Heavy rain which might lead to localized flooding is expected over the coastal areas of KZN as well as the adjacent interior today.
— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) April 23, 2019
Travellers on either side of the N3 highway between Mariannhill toll plaza and Shongweni have experienced major traffic delays due to flooding and mudslides, according to Traffic SA. Other affected areas include the N2 North with floods near Galleria Mall, M13 East, M4 South, M13 Route with heavy traffic from Hillcrest and the Isipingo exits from Mlazi.
Durban – N3 Highway: #FLOODING and MUDSLIDE between Mariannhill plaza and Shongweni – HEAVY TRAFFIC both sides #DurbanRain pic.twitter.com/cfFChM6nas
— Rob Beezy (@TrafficSA) April 23, 2019
Other parts of South Africa, including the Eastern Cape, North West and Free State have been experiencing torrential downpour too.
Over 100mm of #rain in #Klerksdorp since yesterday until this morning. 📸 Kevin Waters @sawx_sa_weather @SAWeatherServic @eNCAWeather @venter_annette @debeer_anika @JoelGuy_ @News24 @SABCNewsOnline @KLD_Record @TheSAnews @maroelamedia @zarsg pic.twitter.com/4pVj8dydVZ
— ReenvalSA (@ReenvalSA) April 23, 2019
Residents in Port St Johns, on the Eastern Cape’s Wild Coast have had to evacuate as a result of flooding. Stay safe on the roads if you are trying to make your way home.
Image source: Twitter @_ArriveAlive
