Update: One death confirmed, KZN Cogta mobilises teams in response to flash flooding in Margate and surrounding towns
Localised flooding has taken place in Margate and surrounding towns after a severe stop hit the KZN South Coast on Sunday.
Image: Screenshot from video
A severe storm lashed the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast on Sunday leading to localised flooding in Margate, Oslo Beach and Port Shepstone.
On Monday, it was confirmed that at least one person has died. This is according to an update from the Ugu District Municipality which said that a fatality was reported due to a mudslide at Nyandezulu.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has deployed disaster management teams to the Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality in the region.
The KZN Cogta said the coastal belt was hit by intense rainfall starting at approximately 4:30pm on Sunday.
“The downpour has resulted in extensive damage to road infrastructure, commercial properties, and shopping hubs, including the Shelly Centre.”
No casualties or injuries have been recorded as yet, the department added. However multiple roads are currently obstructed by fallen trees, and several sinkholes have formed, particularly in the Manaba area.
Commenting on the provincial response, MEC Buthelezi stated: “We are profoundly relieved that no loss of life or injuries have been reported at this stage. Provincial Disaster Management teams and Fire and Rescue Services have been fully deployed and remain on high alert. Our immediate priority is to ensure the safety of all residents and to stabilise the affected areas with urgency.”
The Ray Nkonyeni Municipality said localised flooding occurred in Margate Beach Promenade, Shelly Beach, Oslo Beach and Port Shepstone CBD, as well as surrounding areas.
The damage recorded by the municipality included a structural collapse with people inside, flooded homes and low level bridges, Ugu pump station at Borough Sportsgrounds submerged, a power outage in Oslo Beach and sink holes reported at Manaba and Leisure Bay.
KZN Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma reported that the Road Traffic Inspectorate and engineers had been deployed to assess the condition of the road networks along the South Coast.
“Margate is a preferred destination for both international and domestic tourists. In this regard, we want to ensure their safety. In particular, the RTI team is working with traffic departments in local municipalities as part of road cleanups to ensure accessibility. There are road networks that are managed by the municipalities and others by ourselves. There are bridges and road networks that have been flooded.”
He added that the Umzimkhulu River Bridge which is currently undergoing rehabilitation will also be assessed.
The teams will also coordinate possible road closures and observation of major routes in consultation with relevant local authorities, escort trucks and vehicles to ensure that there is no congestion and drivers of Motor Graders will respond to clear debris and fallen trees, Duma said.
* This story has been updated.