Localised flooding and landslides caused by heavy downpours in KwaZulu-Natal have led to fatalities, significant damage to infrastructure and power outages over the past days.
Hibberdene, Margate, Amanzimtoti, KwaMashu, Hillcrest and Umlazi are some of the areas worst affected after the South African Weather Service warned of heavy rain expected for the weekend. The death toll is not confirmed but at least 20 people have died and several are missing as of Tuesday, 12 April reports IOL.
‘Many of the highways are severely affected and waterlogged and many of the access routes are also severely affected,’ said spokesperson for the eThekwini emergency service Robert McKenzie according to Cape Town Etc. ‘Rescue services and EMS have been responding to emergencies throughout the night, with multiple buildings collapsed and multiple people reportedly washed away by the rain.’
The South African Weather Service warned that rainfall is expected to continue throughout Tuesday. The N2 and the R102 routes are closed around the Umbumbulu area, and residents are advised to avoid driving if possible.
Take a look at video footage of scenes from the province below.
Picture: Screenshot
ALSO READ
KZN thunderstorm causes road closures and claims the lives of 3 children
