The eThekwini Municipality’s Emergency Control and Disaster Management Unit has worked tirelessly throughout the weekend to assist members of the community who have been affected by the recent heavy rains, according to a statement released by the eThekwini Municipality’s Communications Unit on Monday, 28 October 2013.

According to the statement, the rain fell over the Municipal area from Saturday afternoon beginning in the south region and moved towards the western areas. The storm tracked north east and also over the central areas. Strong winds, with gusts of 51kmph were recorded and average rain measured at 8.1mm per 3-hour period.

Preliminary reports indicate that the whole Municipality was affected, with the south, western and northern areas bearing the brunt of the rain.

“Storm water pipes became overloaded and stream levels rose. The large quantities of solid waste/refuse in water course and storm water pipes exacerbated the flooding problem. The debris was swept along by the fast flowing water, ultimately accumulating at the face of culverts and grates. This caused the water to back-up rapidly at the obstructions, overtopping barriers, bursting stream banks, disrupting traffic and inundating adjacent properties and dwellings,” said the statement.

According to the Municipality, many informal structures were also partially or fully destroyed. Additionally, several people were trapped under collapsing structures and buildings, with several reports of injuries were received through the Municipality’s Emergency Control Centre.

“Two fatalities were reported in the Marianhill area. Four people were reported injured in the Canelands area when a tree fell onto their home. At Umlazi’s L-section, a blockaded storm water drain resulted in localised flooding of a property. Six structures were damaged at the Uganda Transit Camp in Isipingo when a tree fell on top of them.

“The Municipality has handed over food parcels and blankets to approximately 140 people who have been affected by the heavy rain. Personnel from the Municipality’s Emergency Control and Disaster Management Unit are still at various sites assessing the situation and the type of relief required. Clean-up operations have begun at various areas to remove the debris from the streets,” concluded the statement.