'Businesses and homes were underwater' says KZN resident
Homes and businesses in Newcastle have been submerged in water following heavy rain and flooding in parts of northern KwaZulu-Natal.
Together with areas in KwaDukuza and in the berg, Newcastle has been affected by adverse weather conditions.
Resident, Craig Pedersen says it has rained consistently in the area since the weekend.
"Last night, we had severe flooding. Some of the older residents say they haven't had this much flooding in 30, 35 years. Since Sunday, we've had about 250ml of rain," he said.
Pedersen says the Ncandu River has burst its banks, damaging many homes in the Paradise, Fernwood and Lennoxton areas.
"They were evacuated last night, all the people that were living along the river. Many of the businesses also along the river were underwater last night. We had our Newcastle 911 Community Policing Forum working until about 3.00am this morning delivering sandbags and helping businesses remove stock," says Pedersen.
Some homeowners have already begun mopping up after the severe downpours.
"Most people that can get back into their houses are back in and trying to get rid of water damage. I think a lot of homes are still flooded especially along the river. It's going to be a day or two before the water subsides and they can get back in," says Pedersen.
