Heavy rain hits Durban as homes collapse and power outages spread

eThekwini Municipality is on high alert following continuous heavy rain across the region, with mudslides causing about three houses to collapse and many power outages reported across the city.

The municipality’s Disaster Management and Emergency Services Directorates have been monitoring the situation as heavy downpours continue to affect vulnerable areas.

Homes collapse in Tshelimnyama

Fire and Emergency Services responded to an incident in Ward 15, Tshelimnyama, in Mariannhill near Pinetown, on Friday morning, 18 September, after localised mudslides caused approximately three houses to collapse.

Emergency responders secured and cleared the affected site.

The municipality confirmed that no fatalities, injuries, or entrapments were reported, although 14 residents were affected by the incident.

Disaster Management teams are conducting detailed assessments in the area and coordinating immediate humanitarian and relief assistance for the affected families.

The municipality has also taken steps to reduce the risk of wider flooding in vulnerable areas.

Disaster Management teams, working with municipal technical units, have opened the Isipingo Estuary mouth to help relieve water build-up and reduce the risk to surrounding communities.

The move comes as saturated ground conditions increase the possibility of further mudslides and localised flooding. Residents are being urged to remain cautious while the heavy rain persists.

High number of power outages around Durban

The heavy weather has also affected electricity supply across Durban.

The municipality’s Electricity and Energy Directorate is dealing with a high number of power outages in various parts of the city as a result of the inclement weather.

Its Contact Centre is receiving a high volume of reports from residents, while additional teams have been deployed across eThekwini to assist with repairs and restore electricity.

However, the large number of faults has resulted in prolonged outages in some areas as repair teams work through the backlog.

Residents can use the municipality’s following platforms for real-time updates on reported electricity faults:

• WhatsApp: 064 761 7930
• USSD: 1343532#
• Online: eThekwini electricity fault portal

Motorists also urged to take care

The municipality has also issued a warning to motorists as flooding and saturated conditions continue.

Drivers are advised to:

• Keep their headlights on.
• Reduce their speed.
• Avoid flooded roads.
• Avoid crossing low-lying bridges where water has accumulated.

Residents should also be alert to the possibility of further mudslides, particularly in areas where the ground has become soaked.

Storm-related emergencies and infrastructure damage can be reported to the eThekwini Central Disaster Call Centre on 031 361 0000.