Durban storm causes damage to hospitals

Health spokesperson Sam Mkhwanazi says some of the hospitals are flooded.

"I can confirm that some of our health facilities in Durban have been adversely affected by this storm that is battering the coast today. These facilities include Prince Mshiyeni, Kind Edward, Wentworth, Addington and King Dinizulu hospital. Employees and management at these facilities are doing all that they can to ensure patient cared," he says.

The heavy rain has meant all hands on deck for emergency services in eThekwini.

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Earlier, rescuers managed to pull three people from a flooded section of the M7 in the city. 

Rescue Care's Garrith Jaimeson says several vehicles - including a bus - were almost fully submerged in water near the Sarnia Road interchange.

"Paramedics and firemen jumped in and rescued three people stuck in the bus. They rescued them and then swam to safety," he says. 

Meanwhile, South Africa Weather Service says the severe weather conditions being experienced in and around Durban will continue for most of the afternoon.

Forecaster, Aslam Sardiwalla says a low pressure system is moving along the coast.

"The storm is bringing in severe thunderstorm activities, which is associated with very strong gusting winds, reaching about 100-120km/h in places along the KZN south coast and is now migrating northwards. 

"It's also accompanied with very heavy downpours, which is leading to quite a bit of flooding or flash-flooding over most of Durban and the south of Durban as well. These conditions are expected to head towards the north coast later this afternoon," he says.

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Sardiwalla also says there has been heavy rain and thunderstorms in Pietermaritzburg but conditions are not as severe as coastal regions.

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