Official unsure when M4 will reopen
A section of the M4 Ruth First Highway between Umhlanga and Sibaya has been closed indefinitely.
This is after part of the southbound road, an alternative route to the King Shaka International Airport, collapsed on Monday due to the heavy rains.
READ: M4 between Sibaya, Umhlanga to remain closed
City engineers assessed the damage, citing large amounts of flowing water below the surface of the road.
eThekwini Metro spokesperson, Parboo Sewpersad says they have not yet established how long the road will be closed for.
"The roadway will be closed for its indefinite period. Motorists are urged to use alternate routes. The alternate routes is the R102, N2 and M41," he said.
The South African Weather Services says sever thunderstorms are expected to continue over most parts of KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday.
Weather forecasts show rainfall lasting until Thursday, with thundershowers expected in the evenings.
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eThekwini Municipality’s Acting Head of Communications, Mandla Nsele says the downpours could potentially impact river levels.
"Rivers and streams will continue to rise with the predicted rainfall and therefore bathing in or crossing swollen rivers is not encouraged."
"Affected residents can call the City’s Disaster and Emergency Services for assistance on 031 361 00 00. The public is urged to be patient as staff are dealing with high call volumes."
"The public is also urged to report any potential stormwater blockages to the roads and Stormwater Management Department via the call centre on 080 131 3013. Residents are urged to not litter as the waste blocks the drains and water courses. This then leads to blockage of the culverts and water backup or lateral flowing," says Nsele.
