An unknown number of containers have been washed away by the heaviest rains in more than six decades and the resultant flooding in Durban, South Africa.
Local media report that at least 45 people have lost their lives, while dozens missing. Meanwhile, there are several posts on Twitter saying that people are looting and stealing whatever they can find at destroyed boxes and storage facilities.
Situated right now near the old airport in the South of Durban. Looting has started. People are now stealing whatever they can find at this storage facility. #eNCA #DurbanFloods pic.twitter.com/ov0RhH3rYQ
— Lethiwe (@LethiweMdlulii) April 12, 2022
#BreakingNews Aftermath of the massive flood in Durban (South Africa 🇿🇦)
Shipping containers floating on waters.#Durban #DurbanFloods #Durbanweather pic.twitter.com/o0BWNbs3jO
— P.O.Box Africa (@POBoxAfrica11) April 12, 2022
South Africa's largest logistics and freight operator Transnet, which runs the Durban port, has suspended operations across its terminals since 11 April. In a statement, Transnet said, "shipping has been suspended until further notice as a result of damage caused by the adverse weather, and vessels on berth are on standby."
Transnet added that its Richards Bay ports, as well as rail lines in some parts of the KwaZulu-Natal province, are operating at "limited capacity" as a result of flooding.
"Transnet Freight Rail's engineering teams will assess the extent of the damage, before full operations can resume," noted the company.
Containers on the N2.The road is closed.Stay home #DurbanFloods pic.twitter.com/wtE8WO9aTA
— Verushka Ramasami (@SpiceGoddess143) April 12, 2022
SA Weather Service (SAWS) has increased weather warnings to level 9. “We are upgrading the KZN weather warning, which means that there is a medium likelihood of severe impacts to occur. Rainfall has cleared over most parts of the province, except the south coast. The Orange Level 9 weather warning is valid for Ugu and eThekwini district municipalities [on Tuesday (12 April) afternoon],” stated SAWS.
Massive flood in Durban (South Africa 🇿🇦) even shipping containers are floating 🤦🏿♂️#KeepDurbanSafe #Durban #DurbanFloods pic.twitter.com/PvqN2fRO7J pic.twitter.com/dKgEvYkoDv
— P.O.Box Africa (@POBoxAfrica11) April 12, 2022
