DURBAN — Severe strong winds across eThekwini have triggered widespread power outages and significant storm damage throughout the Durban metropolitan area, prompting a large-scale, coordinated emergency response from multiple municipal directorates. The adverse weather conditions, which intensified during Saturday afternoon and early evening, heavily impacted overhead electrical infrastructure and obstructed major thoroughfares with debris.
According to the eThekwini Municipality’s Electricity and Energy Directorate, the electrical disruptions predominantly affected medium-voltage overhead circuits. These specific networks are highly vulnerable to impact from flying debris, including dislodged roof sheets and fractured tree branches. The communities currently grappling with electricity disruptions include Baphehli, Folweni, Amaoti, Waterloo, Moriah, Klaarwater, Savannah Park, Inanda, Gunjini, Redcliffe, Malukazi, KwaNdengezi, Clermont, Umlazi C, and Thornwood, among others.
Municipal spokespersons confirmed that technical crews operated throughout the night, successfully restoring power to several neighborhoods. However, officials cautioned that complete grid restoration is a methodical process. Switching personnel and technical teams must first conduct thorough inspections of compromised overhead circuits to pinpoint the exact origin of faults. Necessary repairs must then be executed to guarantee a safe return of the electricity supply. Teams remain actively deployed on the ground to resolve the outstanding backlog and bring the remaining areas back online.
In parallel, the Recreation and Parks Directorate, alongside the City’s Emergency Services, is actively managing numerous storm-related incidents. Crews are engaged in cutting and removing fallen trees and clearing hazardous debris from public spaces. Documented intervention sites span 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.
Public safety remains a top priority for local authorities. The Durban Metro Police Service has been mobilized to direct traffic along compromised routes, and motorists are advised to strictly follow the instructions of on-scene officers. Furthermore, Fire Services are currently mitigating a hazard involving a damaged billboard situated near the N2 and Queen Nandi Drive, which poses a potential threat to passing vehicles. No injuries were reported at the time of this update.
Municipal authorities emphasized that comprehensive damage assessments are still underway, and the total incident count is likely to evolve as additional reports surface. Residents are strongly warned against approaching or attempting to relocate fallen electrical cables, especially in zones where trees have downed power lines. The public is urged to secure loose property items around homes, avoid non-essential travel, and drive with heightened caution, remaining vigilant for structural damage and roadway obstructions.
Any wind-related incidents, including damaged structures or fallen trees, should be promptly reported directly to the Disaster Management Centre. The municipality affirmed its commitment to continuous situation monitoring and will issue further updates as the evaluation and repair processes conclude.
