The eThekwini Municipality is intensifying damage assessments and recovery operations following a Level 6 thunderstorm that battered the city between 16 and 19 September 2026, affecting 27 wards and damaging homes and municipal infrastructure.
Updates presented at the municipality’s Joint Operations Centre meeting on Monday showed that disaster management teams responded to 19 incidents across the region.
The severe weather affected 14 households and 84 residents, with five homes completely destroyed and nine partially damaged.
Fourteen people, including one person living with a disability, were displaced. No injuries or fatalities have been reported.
The municipality said assessments remain underway to determine the full extent of the damage and the support required by affected communities.
The Primary Health Care Services Directorate reported that about 30 health facilities were affected by the adverse weather.
While some facilities experienced roof leaks and water ingress, all sites remain operational and continue to provide essential healthcare services.
The Electricity and Energy Directorate reported no major infrastructure damage, although several electricity poles were affected and are undergoing assessment.
“Restoration teams are working around the clock to restore supply, with the Central Western Region identified as the hardest hit. Municipal Disaster Management, Emergency Services, and other key response units remain on the ground assisting affected communities, conducting assessments, and restoring critical services,” the municipality said.
The recovery efforts come as the city faces another period of potentially severe weather.
The municipality has urged residents to take precautions following a Level 2 severe weather warning for thunderstorms issued by the South African Weather Service for Sunday, 20 September, to Monday evening, 21 September.
Forecasts indicate widespread thunderstorms across KwaZulu-Natal, with the eThekwini region expected to be significantly affected.
The municipality’s Disaster Management Directorate and Emergency Services remain on high alert and ready to respond to weather-related incidents.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant, monitor official weather updates and take precautions to protect lives and property.
In an emergency, residents can contact the City’s Disaster Management Centre on 031 361 0000. – SAnews.gov.za
