The MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) in KZN, Thulasizwe Buthelezi has urged residents to take extreme caution after the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a level weather warning for disruptive rain.
The warning is valid from 00:00 on Tuesday, 15 April until 23:59 on the same day.
LEVEL 4 WEATHER WARNING ISSUED FOR KZN
The weather forecast indicates that persistent rainfall is expected over most parts of the province, potentially leading to:
- Difficult driving conditions, particularly on dirt roads
- Flooding of roads and settlements
- Damage to property and infrastructure
- Damage to mud-based houses
- Major disruption of traffic flow due to road closures and flooding
HERE ARE THE AFFECTED AREAS:
Abaqulusi, Alfred Duma Indaka, Alfred Duma – Ladysmith, Dannhauser, Dr N. Dlamini-Zuma -Underberg, eDumbe, eMadlangeni, Endumeni, Ethekwini, Greater Kokstad, Impendle, Ingwe, Inkosi Langalibalele Escourt, Inkosi Langalibalele Sobabili, KwaDukuza, Mandeni, Maphumulo, Mkhambathini, Mpofana Giants Castle, Mpofana Mooi River, Msinga, Mthonjaneni, Ndwedwe, Newcastle, Nkandla, Nquthu, Okhahlamba, Ray Nkonyeni, Richmond.
The department said in response to this severe weather warning, MEC Buthelezi, has directed that all disaster management teams across the affected municipalities be placed on high alert.
“These teams are ready to respond swiftly to any incidents that may occur as a result of the heavy rainfall.”
In addition, MEC Buthelezi emphasised the seriousness of the weather warning and called on all residents to take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
“We are urging all residents in the affected areas to exercise extreme caution tomorrow. Please avoid unnecessary travel, especially on dirt roads, and refrain from crossing rivers and swollen streams where the water level is above your ankles,” Buthelezi said.
RESIDENTS URGED TO TAKE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES
Following the weather warning, KZN Cogta has also advised residents to take the following precautionary measures:
- If possible, stay indoors and off the roads
- Avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams
- If trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon it and climb to higher ground
- In buildings, move valuable items to a safe place above the expected flood level
- In rural areas, move livestock to higher ground
The department said it will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as necessary and encouraged residents to stay informed through official channels and heed the warnings issued by disaster management authorities.
HAVE YOU BEEN AFFECTED BY THE ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS IN KZN RECENTLY?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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