DURBAN – Emergency response teams have been deployed across eThekwini to address widespread power outages and storm damage following severe strong winds that struck the region on Saturday afternoon and early evening. The eThekwini Municipality confirmed that the adverse weather conditions significantly impacted overhead electricity infrastructure and road networks, prompting a coordinated, multi-directorate response to restore services and ensure public safety.
According to a statement from the municipality, the city’s Electricity and Energy Directorate reported that the power outages primarily affected overhead medium-voltage circuits, which are highly susceptible to damage from tree branches and flying debris, such as roof sheets. The communities experiencing power disruptions include Baphehli, Folweni, Amaoti, Waterloo, Moriah, Klaarwater, Savannah Park, Inanda, Gunjini, Redcliffe, Malukazi, KwaNdengezi, Clermont, Umlazi C, and Thornwood.
Municipal officials confirmed that technical teams worked through the night to restore power to several neighborhoods, and supply has since been reinstated in a number of affected communities. However, the municipality noted that full restoration can be a time-intensive process. Switching staff and technical crews are required to thoroughly inspect affected overhead line circuits to identify the exact cause of faults before conducting the necessary repairs to safely restore the electricity supply. Teams remain actively deployed to clear the outstanding backlog and bring the remaining areas back online.
Concurrently, the eThekwini Municipality’s Recreation and Parks Directorate, in collaboration with the City’s Emergency Services, is responding to numerous reports of fallen trees and storm-related debris. Crews are actively cutting and removing trees to clear obstructed areas. Documented locations requiring clearance include Masabalala Yengwa Avenue, Currie Road, Prospect Road, Balmoral Road, Kenneth Kaunda Road, Ridge Road in uMhlanga, Mazisi Kunene Road, John Zikhali Road, Patrick Duncan Road in Kloof, Margaret Maytom Avenue, Hilltop Road in uMkomaas, Marian Road in Amanzimtoti, O’Flaherty Road, Quarry Road, Penzance Road, and Hatton Avenue in Sherwood.
To maintain public safety, the Durban Metro Police Service has been deployed to manage traffic along the affected routes. Motorists are strongly urged to adhere to the directions of officers on the scene. Additionally, Fire Services are currently addressing a damaged billboard near the N2 and Queen Nandi Drive, which presents a potential hazard to road users. No injuries were reported at the time of this update.
The municipality emphasized that the full extent of the storm damage is not yet known. Assessments remain ongoing, and the number of reported incidents is expected to fluctuate as new reports are received.
Residents are explicitly warned not to approach or attempt to move fallen electricity cables, particularly in areas where trees have brought down power lines. The public is advised to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel, and secure loose objects around homes and properties. Motorists should avoid affected routes where possible, reduce their speed, and remain vigilant for fallen trees, debris, and damaged structures.
Any fallen trees, damaged structures, or other wind-related incidents should be reported directly to the Disaster Management Centre. The municipality stated it will continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates as damage assessments are completed.