Teams from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) have been deployed to the South Coast after torrential downpours and gale-force winds battered parts of the coast on Sunday night.
The heavy downpours caused significant damage across the district, particularly in popular holiday destinations such as Margate and Uvongo.
To address the emergency situation, COGTA activated disaster teams in all municipalities likely to be affected.
These teams are on high alert and ready to respond to any further incidents. In addition, COGTA issued a warning to residents to seek shelter in safe places and advised that public facilities, including community halls, were available as safe havens for those in need of shelter.
Furthermore, teams are on standby to evacuate individuals who require assistance. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a warning about damaging winds, excessive lightning, and heavy downpours in the eThekwini, Ray Nkonyeni, Umdoni, and Umzumbe areas.
Residents in Margate have reported flooded homes and businesses. Videos and images shared on various community, crime, and emergency WhatsApp groups depict water rushing down roads, making navigation difficult for motorists.
COGTA is currently collating reports from the deployed teams, and an update will be provided once all information has been gathered. The department is working diligently to address the aftermath of the severe weather and ensure the safety and well-being of affected residents.
Several videos have been posted on social media showing the extent of damage:
NDABANEWS: BREAKING – Flooding – Margate CBD, Marine DR, Beachfront. Basically all roads Margate to Port Edward. pic.twitter.com/KEv8awBPk8
— Thulani Ndaba (@tndaba) April 14, 2024
KZN – #Flooding Margate area pic.twitter.com/fJ954RgOcJ
— TrafficSA (@TrafficSA) April 14, 2024
I hear Margate is a bit wet at the moment? Note capetonian this is what a “storm” looks like. Not this drizzle we get. pic.twitter.com/5vNgQKx1xa
— Rooikop Rudi (@RooikopR) April 15, 2024
Margate last night #KZNStorm pic.twitter.com/WeQ1aIWbHJ
— Benzito 🇿🇦 (@zito142) April 15, 2024
Margate decimated in flash flooding last night #flooding #margate @FatalMoves @ECR_Newswatch @MegazoneNews @maroelamedia @eNCA pic.twitter.com/cwU7mqyYuQ
— Andrew The Video Guy 🇬🇷🇿🇦 (@CnnAndreas) April 15, 2024
