WATCH | Heavy rains, strong winds wreak havoc in Edendale, KZN

Flooding, roof damage, and power outages reported as storm sweeps through the area

Residents urged to be cautious and avoid flooded areas

Heavy rains and strong winds have caused widespread damage in Edendale, KwaZulu-Natal, on Tuesday, 14 February 2023. The storm, which hit the area in the early hours of the morning, has left many homes and businesses flooded, with roofs damaged and power lines down.

According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), the storm was caused by a cold front that moved over the province on Monday night. The front brought with it heavy rain, strong winds, and hail, which caused widespread damage across the province.

In Edendale, the storm caused flooding in several areas, including the CBD and surrounding townships. Many homes and businesses were flooded, with some residents forced to evacuate their homes.

The storm also caused damage to roofs and power lines, with many areas left without electricity. The eThekwini Municipality has deployed teams to the affected areas to assess the damage and begin repairs.

Residents have been urged to be cautious and avoid flooded areas. The municipality has also warned residents to be aware of fallen power lines and to stay away from them.

The storm is expected to continue for the next few days, with further heavy rain and strong winds forecast. Residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.

Here are some tips for staying safe during a storm:

• Stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
• If you must go outside, be aware of your surroundings and watch for fallen power lines.
• Do not drive through flooded areas.
• If you are in a building that is flooded, move to higher ground.
• If you see a downed power line, stay away from it and call the municipality.

For more information on how to stay safe during a storm, visit the SAWS website: https://www.weathersa.co.za/.