EXCEPT for a massive sinkhole on the R614 in Tongaat, no major damage was reported in KZN following heavy downpours on Wednesday.
KZN corporative governance and traditional affairs spokesman Msawakhe Mayisela said the department did not receive damage or disaster reports.
“Normally, if there are disasters we get reports,” said Mayisela.
“But this time we’ve not received any, besides that of the sinkhole in Tongaat.
“The road has been closed off and is still closed for motorists’ safety.
“During the heavy rain we put the department’s disaster team on high alert, especially in those areas that are usually affected, including those that fall under eThekwini Municipality and Umkhanyakude District Municipality,” said Mayisela.
IPSS Medical Rescue operations manager Paul Herbst said the sinkhole in Tongaat was caused by heavy rain, but fortunately it didn’t cause any accidents.
He said the sinkhole was spotted by a motorist, who then called them.
“We arrived immediately with other road authorities. The sinkhole looked bad but caused no accident or damage to vehicles,” said
Herbst.
“For their safety, motorists were told to take alternative routes to get to their destinations.”
He said in Stanger the roads were flooded but no one was injured, nor were any accidents reported.
South African Weather Service forecaster Julius Mahlangu said people in KZN should not expect more heavy rain.
“No heavy rains are expected anytime soon, except for light rainfall especially on the south and north coast today,” said Mahlangu.
