DURBAN - ATLEAST five hospitals in Durban have been affected by the heavy rains and gale force winds that were experienced around the city on Tuesday.
The King Edward, Addington, King Dinuzulu, Wentworth and Prince Mshiyeni Memorial hospitals have borne the most brunt of the storm.
The storm hit most parts if the province and leaving some drivers stranded on the sides of the roads which were flooded or blocked with trees that were uprooted by the winds that were moving at about 70km/h.
Outside the King Edward hospital, a tree was toppled on the road by the storm, while at uMlazi on the way to Prince Mshiyeni Hospital, several trees were toppled by the rain.
Also read: #DurbanStorm stories here
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health spokesman Agiza Hlongwane said the management at these health facilities were currently “assessing the extent of the damage caused by the storm, and are doing all they can to ensure patient care and safety.”
“The department wishes to urge the public to be calm and understanding. Furthermore, the department wishes to urge people who do not have serious ailments to delay their visits to the affected hospitals,” he added.
The department could not authenticate a picture which purported a roof had collapsed at one of their hospitals, but confirmed that the health facilities had been affected by the heavy rains.
SUNDAY TRIBUNE