KwaZulu-Natal disaster management teams have been placed on high alert following a Level 5 severe thunderstorm warning issued by the South African Weather Service. The warning covers several municipalities, including Abaqulusi, Alfred Duma, and Greater Kokstad, with severe weather expected between 1 pm and 10:59 pm on Saturday. The warning includes heavy rain, damaging winds, hail, and lightning.
The KZN Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) said its Provincial Disaster Management Centre was monitoring the situation and working with municipal disaster management teams, emergency services, and other stakeholders to ensure they were prepared to respond. MEC for Cogta Thulasizwe Buthelezi urged residents to exercise caution and follow safety advisories, particularly those living in low-lying areas and informal settlements.
According to Cogta, the expected conditions could result in flooding in settlements and the displacement of communities. Fast-flowing rivers and streams could also pose a danger to life, while mudslides, rockfalls, and soil erosion are among the other potential risks. Residents are urged to take precautions to prevent loss of life and damage to property.
The South African Weather Service (Saws) issued the impact-based warning for the western, south-western, and northern parts of KZN. The warning is in place for several municipalities, including Dannhauser, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, eDumbe, eMadlangeni, Endumeni, Impendle, Inkosi Langalibalele, Mpofana, Msinga, Newcastle, Nkandla, Nongoma, Nquthu, Okhahlamba, Ulundi, uMngeni, uMshwathi, Umvoti, Umzimkhulu, and uPhongolo.
MEC Buthelezi emphasized that the Provincial Disaster Management Centre is actively monitoring the situation and working closely with municipal disaster management teams, emergency services, and social partners to ensure rapid response capabilities are in place. Residents are urged to contact their local municipal disaster management centres or emergency services in the event of an emergency.
The Level 5 severe thunderstorm warning is a serious weather alert that requires immediate attention. Residents are advised to stay informed about the latest weather forecast and to follow evacuation instructions if necessary. The KZN Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs is working to ensure that disaster management teams are prepared to respond to any emergencies that may arise.
Key areas of concern include low-lying areas and informal settlements, where residents are urged to exercise extra caution. The expected heavy rain and strong winds could cause significant damage to property and infrastructure, and residents are advised to take precautions to secure their homes and belongings. Three key points to note are: the Level 5 severe thunderstorm warning is in place for several municipalities in KZN; residents are urged to exercise caution and follow safety advisories; and disaster management teams are on high alert and prepared to respond to emergencies.
Key points
- Residents are urged to exercise caution and follow safety advisories, particularly those living in low-lying areas and informal settlements.
- The expected conditions could result in flooding in settlements and the displacement of communities.
- Fast-flowing rivers and streams could pose a danger to life, while mudslides, rockfalls, and soil erosion are among the other potential risks.
