Motorist rescued from tree during Pinetown flooding
The National Sea Rescue Institute's Craig Lambinon has shared details of a dramatic rescue mission during the storm in Pinetown, west of Durban.
"The man could be seen high in a tree with flood waters washing around the tree and over his vehicle, which was on its side and appeared to be wrapped around the tree," Lambinon said.
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He says it's believed at least four vehicles were swept off Umbilo River Bridge by flash floods in the heavy downpour Tuesday night.
"One vehicle had reportedly been stuck against a tree where the local adult male driver had managed to free himself from the vehicle and he had climbed the tree to escape the fast flowing flooded river that had broken its banks."
He says various rescue teams arrived to help near Heaton Nicholls Drive.
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"Heaton Nicholl Drive bridge was at least a meter under fast flowing water. NSRI swift water rescue swimmers approached the scene from the M13 Freeway side - North of the casualty.
"Safety ropes were set up. An NSRI swift water rescue swimmer entered the chest deep water reaching the 51-year-old man where he was secured into a life-jacket and secured to the swift water rescue swimmer.
"Once safely out of danger the man was medically assessed by paramedics and he was not injured."
