Suspected chemical spill at Umhlanga and Umdloti lagoons
Videos of dead marine life washing up to shore, leaving many residents concerned with the quality of the water in the area.
The eThekwini Municipality has released the following statement in response:
eThekwini Municipality would like to advise the public of reported fish and crustacean kills at uMhlanga and uMdloti Lagoons and some beaches in the vicinity. While the exact cause of this remains unknown, it is considered serious and can affect one’s health if collected and consumed.
The public is therefore advised to refrain from all recreational activities, including fishing or surfing, bait collection and picking up of dead species in this area.
Read more: eThekwini unrest damage runs into billions - Kaunda
Collecting or harvesting of any marine living resource in the area is temporarily prohibited until the cause is determined and the threat has abated.
Authorities are investigating the source of the pollution and clean-up companies are trying to contain the spill.
The public is urged to report any pollution in the waterways or sea to the emergency number 031-361 0000.
Read more: Mounting pressure on govt to declare a state of emergency
Here's the video that has surfaced on social media:
This is a developing story and more details will be provided as more information comes through.
Stay up to date with all the latest news and traffic and download the podcasts below.
Image attribution: Screemshot/YouTube/North Coast Courier