Two-day rainfall results in flooding
Heavy rainfalls have resulted in certain parts of town being flooded.
The areas most affected in town are Trim Park, Taxi Rank, Amcor Dam and Paradise. In fact, parts of Lincoln Road and Finnermore Street in Paradise has been closed. This comes after a flood siren was sounded early this morning, warning residents of potential danger after the Ncandu River broke it’s banks.
“This happens every year and something needs to be done,” exclaimed one Paradise resident, who opted to remain anonymous. While fearing that the rain causes worse floods, the resident said so far, the damage has not been as bad as last year.
“In 2017, myself and other residents in Paradise lost a lot of our property. I, myself, lost my furniture and electrical appliances.”
Traffic officials have also closed off Umfolozi Road, as Amcor Dam has flooded the road. Motorists are urged to use alternative routes.
This follows two days of constant rain, with South African Weather Services warning that further thunderstorms and heavy rains are expected today.
Areas expected to be affected are:
- Durban and Ladysmith
- Pietermartizburg, Margate and Ulundi
- Richards Bay, Newcastle and Mooi River
- Kokstad and Drakensberg
During this time, motorists and Newcastillians are urged to practice extreme caution when travelling. Do not drive around unnecessarily and if you are on the roads, drive slowly and pay attention to the volume of water on the road, as you could find yourself turning into a road which is flooded. Furthermore, pedestrians are warned not to cross streams and river banks.
