Cleanup efforts begin after weekend storms lash KZN

Mud blocked Stapleton Road in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) on 12 April 2022. Picture: Gallo Images / Darren Stewart Authorities in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) have launched cleanup operations after severe storms swept through parts of the province over the weekend. The KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) said the adverse weather struck coastal regions, particularly eThekwini and Pietermaritzburg, bringing strong winds, thunder and hail.

The conditions resulted in uprooted trees, damaged power infrastructure and flooded roads, disrupting daily life. Officials confirmed on Monday, 6 April 2026, that teams are currently conducting detailed assessments to determine the scale of destruction. The provincial disaster management centre (PDMC), working alongside local municipalities, has been deployed to restore services and remove debris from affected areas.

“No fatalities have been reported at this stage. A comprehensive update will be provided once technical assessments are concluded,” the provincial department’sstatementread. Florida Road, Durban…https://t.co/Q2qSNNiz5rpic.twitter.com/KxHhkABfMF The South African Weather Service (Saws) has shed light on a brief tornado that occurred in Bishopstowe on Sunday afternoon, 5 April 2026.

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Meteorologists reported that a weak storm cell formed shortly after 5:00pm and remained concentrated over one area. The region’s terrain and curved landscape is believed to have contributed to the storm’s rotation, which also produced small hail.

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