Flash floods that have wreaked havoc in Durban over the years. Photo: RUSA/ Facebook
INSIDE: Durban’s yearly Flash Floods, Extreme Thunderstorms
Since 2017, rains have become uglier in Durban as most have left trails of destruction, including claiming the lives of ordinary citizens.
Flash floods that have wreaked havoc in Durban over the years. Photo: RUSA/ Facebook
Durban in KwaZulu-Natal has become synonymous with bad weather as flash floods and thunderstorms destruct the city year in and out.
THE HISTORY OF DESTRUCTIVE RAINS IN DURBAN IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS
Since 2017, rains have become uglier in Durban as most have left trails of destruction, including claiming the lives of ordinary citizens.
Last year alone, torrential rains saw the Department of Human Settlements setting aside R1 billion for KZN after 4000 homes were completely destroyed while over 8000 homes were partially destroyed in April 2022.
ALSO READ: KZN floods: Human Settlements Dept says 13.5k homes affected
It is reported that over 395 people lost their lives due to torrential rain and flash floods in that period.
2019 FLASH FLOODS CLAIM ALMOST HUNDRED LIVES
In 2020, Durban had a bit of a breather after recovering from the deadly 2019 flash floods which battered a large part of the province. Houses in low-lying settlements were wiped away and roads were left completely destroyed.
At least 70 lives were claimed from the harsh rains which also set the government and residents backwards in millions of rands.
ALSO READ: Durban floods: eThekwini Municipality commits R658m towards infrastructure repairs
The catastrophe also prompted President Cyril Ramaphosa to visit the area and restore hope.
During his visit to the affected areas of the city, Ramaphosa had assured residents that National Treasury would channel an undisclosed amount of money towards restorative efforts in eThekwini.
Although the extent of the damage was not as bad in 2017, areas in close proximity to King Edward Hospital swam in water as the area experienced flooding after heavy downpours in October of the same year.
ALSO READ: Durban floods latest: Death toll increases to at least 70
WHAT IS GOVERNMENT’S INTERVENTION ON THIS CRISIS?
Is climate change or pollution a major factor in these disastrous occurrences? Well, there seems to be an action plan from government.
Responding to government’s efforts, ANC’s Provincial Secretary Bheki Mtolo said the latest disaster comes a few hours after the Alliance Political Council addressed the media and spelt out a clear programme of action.
ALSO READ: ANC in KZN responds to Tornado havoc, deploys HELP
