South Africa: Heavy rain, flooding leave 32 dead in Durban area April 22-23 /update 1

Event

Heavy rain and consequent flooding hit the Durban (KwaZulu-Natal province) area overnight (local time) from Monday, April 22, into Tuesday, April 23, leaving at least 32 people dead and causing road closures and associated traffic disruptions. Several areas in eThekwini Metropolitan municipality were experiencing power outages as of Tuesday afternoon.

Further forecast rainfall on Wednesday, April 24, may exacerbate flooding and associated disruptions, particularly in low-lying areas. Lingering transportation disruptions and power outages are to be expected in the Durban Metro area over the coming hours.  

Advice

Individuals present in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.