Several informal settlements destroyed caused by heavy rainfall in eThekwini. Image: The Witness
(The Post News)- A severe rainfall has left a trail of destruction in eThekwini’s Cato Crest area, KwaZulu-Natal, damaging numerous informal settlements and completely destroying three. The eThekwini Municipality has announced the damage and is currently assessing the impact of adverse weather on sections of eThekwini.
Falling trees proved catastrophic, destroying the settlements and injuring several residents. Thankfully, injured residents received prompt hospital treatment. Meanwhile, teams from Disaster Management and Water and Sanitation are on-site assessing the damage.
In Clairwood, approximately 50 structures were affected, but fortunately, no injuries or fatalities occurred. Emergency services are working tirelessly to monitor and provide aid to affected areas as the rainy weather continues.
A level 6 warning remains in effect, according to the South African Weather Service (SAWS). Forecast models predict light to moderate rainfall throughout the day and between 5 pm and 8 pm on October 22, 2024, peaking at 7 pm.
To mitigate potential risks, the Flood Early Warning System (FEWS) team closely monitors changing forecasts and provides updates. Residents are urged to remain cautious while driving.
The recent devastation highlights the vulnerability of informal settlements to extreme weather conditions. Rapid urbanization and inadequate infrastructure exacerbate these risks, underscoring the need for proactive measures.
In recent years, South Africa has experienced severe flooding incidents, resulting in loss of life and property. This unfortunate event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience.
About the Author
