KwaZulu-Natal disaster management teams are on high alert as disruptive rain is expected in the province.
- Emergency crews are on high alert after 50mm of rain was forecast for KwaZulu-Natal.
- The rain could cause flooding, authorities warned.
- Level 9 and Level 5 orange warnings have been issued.
KwaZulu-Natal disaster management teams are on high alert after heavy rains were forecast for the province.
The South African Weather Service issued a level 9 orange warning for widespread showers and thunderstorms along the province’s coast on Thursday, with “prolonged showers” expected. A Level 5 Orange Warning has been issued for inland areas.
More than 50mm of rain is expected, which could lead to flooding of roads and settlements and damage to infrastructure.
The Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department (Cogta) has put disaster management teams on high alert.
“The weather warning that was placed at level 9 in terms of the scale of impact and probability could spell disaster for communities living in low-lying areas,” KwaZulu-Natal Cogta MEC Sihle Zikalala said.
“The provincial Disaster Management Center has activated the Joint Operations Committee, which will meet daily with all the disaster management teams of the municipalities to take stock of the situation.”
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“Residents of eThekwini, iLlembe, uMgungundlovu, King Cetshwayo and uMkhanyakude are urged to heed the weather alert level 9 and take all necessary precautions,” Zikalala added.
A level 5 weather warning for disruptive rain has also been issued for uThukela, uMzinyathi, Zululand, Harry Gwala, Amajuba, Ugu and parts of uMgungundlovu.
He said:
Residents of affected areas are requested to restrict unnecessary travel as this could put them in danger.
“Parents should be vigilant and protect children from swimming in rivers or near large bodies of water. KZN province has not fully recovered from the floods that occurred last year. Parents are urged residents to heed these warnings and not take unnecessary risks,” Zikalala said.
