Throwback: Remember the October storm that left Durban under water?

On 10 October 2017, a powerful storm swept across Durban and other parts of KwaZulu-Natal, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and widespread flash flooding.

The storm flooded roads, damaged homes and businesses, disrupted hospitals and caused chaos at the Port of Durban.

Emergency crews spent the day rescuing people trapped by rising water.

Almost nine years later, the storm remains one of Durban’s most memorable October weather events.

Heavy rain turns roads into rivers

Heavy downpours triggered flash floods across parts of eThekwini, including Montclair, Isipingo, Umlazi and Amanzimtoti.

Floodwater trapped motorists and residents, while strong winds brought down trees and damaged buildings. Authorities activated disaster response teams as conditions deteriorated.

NSRI Durban deployed rescue swimmers and a sea rescue vehicle to help emergency services.

Rescuers helped babies, children and adults reach higher ground and freed people trapped in homes and vehicles.

In Montclair, rescuers carried a baby to safety after floodwater trapped the child inside a home.

Strong winds cause chaos at Durban harbour

The storm also caused major problems at the Port of Durban.

Strong winds reached up to 50 knots in places, according to the NSRI. Boats and yachts broke free from their moorings, while the container ship MSC Ines drifted into the mouth of the harbour.

The Transnet National Ports Authority suspended vessel movements after three vessels ran aground and others broke their mooring lines.

Terminal and rail operations also stopped as authorities dealt with the emergency.

Hospitals suffer storm damage

The severe weather did not spare Durban’s health facilities.

KwaZulu-Natal’s Department of Health initially reported damage at at least five hospitals, including King Edward VIII, Addington, King Dinuzulu, Wentworth and Prince Mshiyeni Memorial hospitals.

Floodwater entered sections of several facilities, while strong winds damaged roofs and windows.

Authorities moved patients away from affected areas as staff worked to keep health services running.

What caused the Durban storm?

The South African Weather Service identified an upper-air cut-off low as the weather system behind the heavy rain over KwaZulu-Natal.

At the time, SAWS chief forecaster Kevin Rae stressed that the system was not a hurricane. Cut-off lows can bring intense rainfall and severe thunderstorms to parts of South Africa.

The 10 October storm showed how quickly severe spring weather can turn dangerous, with flooding, strong winds and rising water affecting communities across Durban and surrounding areas.