The Municipality’s Emergency Control and Disaster Management Unit responded to numerous reports of flooding, damage to property and infrastructure, as a result of the storm on Sunday night, 27 November 2011.
This morning, around 10 fatalities were regrettably reported, although we have been able to confirm five to date. The Mayor, Councillor James Nxumalo, has visited affected families in Umlazi to extend support and assess the situation.
The Mayor conveyed condolences to the affected families and said that the Municipality will work together with the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional affairs as well as the Department of Human Settlements and Public Works to assist those affected by the storm. He urged affected communities to contact their local councillor for help in accessing assistance.
The worst hit area is the central region, with 19 reports of flooding with shacks at Quarry Road and Puntan’s Hill being most affected.
Some traffic lights have been affected, and motorists are urged to exercise caution and treat intersections as four way stops. The Municipality is aware of all affected areas and emergency personnel are fully mobilised to respond to all reported incidents. The public is to note that bathing from Blue Lagoon to Battery Beach has been restricted until further notice, and the beach clean-up has started. Some of the COP related beach activities in this area have been affected and have been delayed by a day.
The proceedings of the COP17 Climate Change Conference have not been affected, although last night the City had assisted in addressing some challenges due to drainage problems resulting from the high levels of precipitation. The venue is functioning normally today.
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