A severe storm hit uPhongolo on Sunday afternoon leading to the temporary closure on the N2 highway in the vicinity. The highway has since reopened.
Image: KZN Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs
The N2 national route in uPhongolo has been cleared and reopened to traffic following a powerful, 30-minute storm that tore through the area on Sunday afternoon.
The severe weather, which struck at 4pm, brought intense rainfall and high winds that brought down trees and caused localised flooding. Ward 11, the town area, bore the brunt of the storm, sustaining damage to both public and private property.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, confirmed that disaster management teams were deployed immediately to the municipality to coordinate clean-up efforts and restore critical infrastructure.
Disaster management teams have been deployed to the northern KwaZulu-Natal town.
Image: KZN Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs
While the N2 is now accessible, officials noted that some internal roads remain waterlogged. Teams are continuing to monitor the situation, clear remaining obstructions, and conduct a full assessment of the damage.
Crucially, despite the ferocity of the storm, no fatalities or injuries have been reported.
MEC Buthelezi has urged residents to exercise caution as the cleanup continues."Our teams were dispatched immediately to support the municipality, clear blocked routes and assess the impact of the storm," said the MEC.
"We appeal to residents to remain vigilant, avoid flooded areas and exercise caution."
Disaster management crews remain on the ground to provide ongoing assistance to the community.
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