Several areas in South Africa’s (SA) KwaZulu-Natal province have been affected by flooding following torrential rainfall, with the south coast town of Margate among the worst hit.
Floodwaters rushed through the centre of Margate towards the beachfront, inundating roads and businesses within minutes and prompting emergency services to go on high alert. Mop-up operations are under way at the Shelley Beach shopping centre, where a number of shops were submerged.
Heavy rain was also reported in parts of Pietermaritzburg, while Port Edward and Empangeni experienced intense downpours. Authorities say the full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
Marius Myburgh from the South Coast branch of KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service said no injuries had been reported so far but confirmed that several homes and businesses were affected.
“A severe storm hit the south coast at around 16:40. Within minutes, roads were overwhelmed by water, leading to flooding,” Myburgh said. “We’ve received multiple reports of flooded roads between Palm Beach and Port Shepstone, as well as damage to residences and businesses, including the Shelley Centre.”
Emergency teams remain on standby as weather conditions continue to be monitored.
–ChannelAfrica—
