Rising Isipingo River levels prompt emergency sand removal - IOL

A Tractor Loader Backhoe (TLB) has been brought in by the eThekwini Municipality to help lower the level of water in the Isipingo River and estuary south of Durban. The tractor is lowering the sand level so water can flow into the sea, preventing water levels from rising and flooding nearby homes.

Rising water levels in the Isipingo River and estuary south of Durban have prompted municipal officials to remove some beach sand and allow the water to flow into the sea on Thursday.

According to eThekwini Municipality Ward 90 councillor Shad Nowbuth, residents were concerned about water levels which prompted the municipality to send out a Tractor Loader Backhoe (TLB) to lower the sand levels on the beach and prevent the area from flooding.

“The tractor arrived at Isipingo Beach to assist with the necessary work. Appreciation to beach superintendent Jace Govender for the effort and work undertaken for official clearance, and to Salim Dhooma for his untiring efforts in ensuring that all goes well, with regular contact with me,” Nowbuth said.

A Tractor Backhoe Loader (TLB) at work lowering the sand level in the Isipingo River and estuary south of Durban so the water can flow into the sea. The city is preventing water levels from rising and flooding nearby homes.

Nowbuth said the water levels in the estuary rise after torrential downpours which in the past led to the flooding of local homes. 

“Although water has been flowing out to sea, the water level in the Isipingo River is rising due to huge quantities of water flowing in from inland. This could lead to flooding of several homes in Steenbras and Bonito Avenue and the Isipingo Island Hotel. Teams from the municipality are monitoring the situation,” he said.

In a municipal communique, the city urged caution on flood-prone roads and low-lying areas as heavy rain is forecast for Thursday and Friday.

The municipality has activated its Disaster Management Center and placed Fire and Emergency Services, alongside all key municipal frontline units, on high alert following a Level 6 Impact-Based Warning for disruptive rainfall issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS).

According to the municipality, the severe weather is being driven by a combination of a strong ridging high-pressure system, a coastal low-pressure system, and a cut-off low over the interior. Together, these systems are expected to bring widespread, heavy rainfall to the region over the two-day period.

The Isipingo River and estuary, south of Durban can possibly flood the Island Hotel, Beach Road and houses on Steenbrass Avenue and Baracuda Drive. Work is underway to breach the sandbank to allow the water to flow out to the sea.

The municipality reassured residents that operational teams are fully mobilised.

“Municipal crews will continuously monitor high-risk zones, waterways, and infrastructure historically vulnerable to flooding. Emergency response teams are stationed across the city for rapid deployment should localised incidents occur."

• Avoid high-risk routes: Do not travel through low-lying roads or across bridges prone to flooding.

• Never cross fast-flowing water: Avoid crossing flooded rivers, streams, or swollen drainage channels, either on foot or in a vehicle. Just a few centimeters of moving water can sweep a vehicle away.

• Prepare early: Residents in low-lying or informal settlements should pre-identify higher ground and safe evacuation routes.

• Secure property: Tie down or store loose outdoor structures and debris that could be swept away by wind or runoff.

• Drive with extreme caution: Motorists must turn on headlights, increase following distances, significantly reduce speed, and avoid non-essential travel during peak rainfall.