13 Apr 2022 | 09:04 AM UTC
South Africa: Disruptions ongoing due to severe flooding across parts of KwaZulu-Natal Province as of April 13 /update 2
Response operations ongoing following flooding across parts of KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, April 13; lingering disruptions likely.
Event
Severe disruptions are occurring across parts of KwaZulu-Natal Province as of April 13 due to flooding triggered by heavy rainfall that has been ongoing across parts of the province since April 8. Over 30 cm (12 inches) of rain fell in some areas of the province April 11-12, causing widespread flooding and triggering landslides. Authorities have reported at least 59 fatalities associated with the adverse weather as of April 13, of which 40 occurred in the Durban area and 14 in Ndwedwe and KwaDukuza. Damage assessments and response operations are ongoing in many areas, and it is possible the number of casualties could rise in the coming hours and days.
Flooding has caused damage to many roads, bridges, and homes, with the worst-affected municipalities being iLembe, uThukela, uMgungundlovu, King Cetshwayo, Ugu, and uMzinyathi, as well as eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. Sections of the N3 and N2 highways have been closed, affecting access to Durban Port. Widespread power outages, water supply issues, and mobile communication cuts have been reported across the affected area. The SA National Defence Force has been called up to assist with response operations.
All weather warnings issued by the South African Weather Service in the affected area have expired as of early April 13; however, light rain is forecast April 13 and further heavy showers are expected from April 16. Further downpours could trigger further flooding in areas where the ground is already saturated by previous rainfall and hamper recovery efforts.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger further flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.
Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.
Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the affected region. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Health
Although a secondary concern, the threat of disease outbreaks cannot be discounted in the coming days and weeks. Backflow from drains that has mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and waterborne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.
Advice
Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Confirm flights.
