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28 Jun 2023 | 08:41 AM UTC

South Africa: Response operations ongoing following storm in Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal Province, as of June 28

Response operations ongoing following storm in Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, as of June 28. Casualties and damage reported.

Warning

Event

Response operations are ongoing after a severe storm struck Inanda, located in eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality around 25 km (16 miles) north of central Durban, as of June 28. Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and a suspected tornado struck the area June 27, causing widespread damage and displacing dozens of people. As of early June 28, preliminary reports have indicated that several homes have been damaged and some individuals have been injured; damage assessments are ongoing and it may be some time before the full extent of the storm's impact is confirmed. Rail services in the area have been impacted by the severe weather and further disruptions to transport, business, and utilities are likely over the coming hours and days. The South African Weather Service has forecast further adverse weather in the region; yellow level 2 (out of 10) disruptive rain warnings have been issued through 13:59 June 28, with lighter rain forecast June 29, Additional downpours could trigger flooding and hamper ongoing recovery efforts.

Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of 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 or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil. Additional power outages are possible in areas impacted by the weather system.

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. The disruptive weather may cause additional delays and cancellations at regional airports. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight cancellations are possible in areas subject to heavy rainfall and track blockages.

Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding, could persist well after weather conditions have improved; it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast or reported. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

South African Weather Service