KwaZulu-Natal Residents on High Alert as Province Braces for a Week of Severe Weather
KwaZulu-Natal Residents on High Alert as Province Braces for a Week of Severe Weather
Natalie Nyathi
KwaZulu-Natal residents are on high alert as the South African Weather Service has issued warnings for disruptive rainfall and severe thunderstorms across the province. Disaster management teams have been activated, and communities are urged to take necessary precautions to protect lives and property.
SAWS has issued a Yellow Level 4 warning for disruptive rainfall in several municipalities, including eThekwini, Ladysmith, Newcastle, Hluhluwe, and KwaDukuza. A Level 2 warning is in effect for other areas such as Underberg, Kokstad, Estcourt, Msunduzi, and Richmond. The heavy rain is expected to affect coastal areas, the midlands, and northern regions of KZN.
The forecast includes disruptive rainfall expected on Wednesday, intermittent rain on Thursday, a brief respite with sunshine and dry conditions on Friday, and the possibility of rain returning over the weekend.
Authorities warn of potential flooding of roads and low-lying settlements, damage to homes and public infrastructure, disruption of essential services, and increased risk to human and animal life. Hazardous travel conditions are also expected.
In response to the warnings, disaster management teams have been activated across the province. MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi has emphasized that municipalities are working to ensure disaster response mechanisms are ready. The Provincial Disaster Management Centre is coordinating with local municipalities to ensure a rapid response.
However, there have been calls for urgent improvements to KZN’s Disaster Management Centre, including additional resources and more advanced technology to provide specific early warnings.
Residents are advised to take the following safety measures: avoid crossing flooded roads or bridges, even if the water appears shallow; move vehicles to higher ground if parked in flood-prone areas; prepare emergency kits with essential items such as medication, water, and important documents; remain indoors unless evacuation is advised; and monitor updates from trusted sources, including local radio stations, TV broadcasts, and official social media platforms. People living in low-lying areas must monitor rising water levels and evacuate to safer places when the water level rises.
In case of an emergency, residents can contact the eThekwini Disaster Management Centre at 031 361 0000.
Weather conditions can change rapidly, and residents are urged to stay informed through regular updates from SAWS and local authorities.
