Three houses collapse as mudslides hit KZN amid Level 6 alert - IOL
The mudslides were reported in Ward 15 Itshelimnyama, around Marrianhill.
Three houses have been destroyed and 14 people affected as mudslides were reported in KwaZulu-Natal on Friday after a Level 6 weather warning was issued.
On Friday, eThekwini Fire and Emergency Services responded to an incident in Ward 15, Tshelimnyama, in Mariannhill, near Pinetown, where localised mudslides caused approximately three houses to collapse. Emergency responders immediately secured and cleared the affected site.
“The Municipality can confirm that no fatalities, injuries, or entrapments were reported during the incident, with 14 residents affected thus far. To mitigate wider flooding risks across vulnerable areas, Disaster Management teams, in coordination with municipal technical units, have opened the Isipingo Estuary mouth to relieve water build-up and reduce risk to surrounding communities,” it said.
Municipal Disaster Management teams are on the ground conducting detailed assessments and coordinating immediate humanitarian and relief support for the affected families.
Members of the public are urged to remain cautious as saturated ground conditions heighten the risk of further mudslides and localised flooding.
Motorists are advised to keep headlights on, reduce speed, and strictly avoid driving across flooded roads or low-lying bridges.
Emergency situations and storm-related infrastructure damage can be reported to the eThekwini Municipality's Central Disaster Call Centre at 031 361 0000.
MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Rev. Thulasizwe Buthelezi, said no serious damage to infrastructure or households has been recorded due to the adverse weather. However, mudslides have been reported in Tshelimnyama, Durban, and along the R33 in Umsinga.
Other minor incidents were reported in Umsinga, where stones have fallen onto the R33 Road due to prolonged rainfall.
"Disaster teams have also noted that several rivers that flow through residential areas are swollen, posing a risk to informal settlements located nearby. Teams continue to monitor the situation, and evacuations could be implemented if the risk persists," he said.
Buthelezi said he has coordinated with sector departments and social partners to ensure that alternative accommodation is available, along with all necessary relief that may be required.
As the rain continues, he has emphasised the need for vigilance among communities, livestock owners, parents and road users.
“The Level 6 weather alert along the coast remains in place, while other inland areas are also receiving prolonged rainfall. We urge parents to ensure the safety of their children when they travel to school. Most rivers are swollen, and we advise people not to attempt to cross swollen rivers during this period, whether on foot or by vehicle. Disaster teams are monitoring all the areas that we have identified as high risk. Road surfaces are very slippery, and visibility has become poor. Let us limit our movement to ensure safety,” Buthelezi said.
