DURBAN - ALS Paramedics Medical Services have warned motorists to be extra cautious and to check for road closures in and around Durban following heavy rains over the past few days.
In a warning issued on Monday afternoon, paramedic Garrith Jamieson said ALS Paramedics wanted to caution all motorists to be extra cautious in the wet weather currently being experienced in and around Durban CBD.
He said there were multiple areas that had been affected by flooding, as well as lots of puddles of water across the roads.
“We have received multiple reports of roads closed due to flooding all over KZN, Durban and Pinetown are especially affected. N3 incoming towards the Durban CBD, three lanes have been closed off due to the pooling of water,” said Jamieson.
Jamieson advised motorists to be aware of their surroundings and to allow for extra time when travelling.
“Please make sure your vehicles are in good working condition and that tyres are good as that could definitely affect the traction in this wet weather,” he said.
He also appealed to motorists to drive with headlights on and ensure that windscreen wipers are working adequately.
“We've also received multiple calls of mudslides and vehicles being washed off low level bridges. As you approach these bridges please make sure that you're able to cross them safely before you even attempt to do so,” said Jamison.
Marshall Security’s Andreas Mathios, who offers community support, said the inclement weather over Durban had caused absolute chaos with emergency services, paramedics and first responders.
Mathios said at around 4:30pm there was an accident on the M19 while in Pinetown, Stapleton Road has been closed to the public and traffic as a result of the river that had burst its banks.
“It flooded the entire Stapleton Road bridge. This means that traffic in the area had to find alternative routes to get to their destination,” he said.
He added that flood waters were also raging down the M19 towards the shacks.
“We are currently asking disaster management to intervene and be on high alert for the following rainfall patterns that are now starting to sweep through the city,” said Mathios.
There were also reports this afternoon of a building at Umdloti where residents had to be evacuated due to flooding.
Earl Haig Road, Morningside(sourced from eThekwini Secure):
Stapleton Road, Pinetown(sourced from Facebook):
Umdloti, KZN North Coast(sourced from Facebook):
Umdloti, KZN North Coast(sourced from eThekwini Secure):
Waterfall, Upper Highway area(sourced from Facebook):
