City issues warning with level 5 disruptive rains expected in eThekwini
The eThekwini Municiplaity has released a statement warning residents to take precautionary measures by moving to safer places and avoiding travelling to mitigate risk as level 5 disruptive rains are expected in the eThekwini Metro.
THE KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs is urging the public to practice caution as level 5 disruptive rains are expected in the eThekwini Metro down to the South Coast until midnight tonight which could result in localised flooding.
According to the warning from the South African Weather Services (SAWS), the heavy downpours may result in some areas receiving rainfall accumulation of more than 200mm over a 24-hour period which may lead to localised impact, such as flooding of settlements and roads, damage to houses and displacement of communities over the extreme south-eastern part of the province on Monday.
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“Areas that are likely to be affected include eThekwini Metro, Umdoni, Umzumbe and Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipalities. Our disaster teams have noted the flood damages that occurred in Margate last night which were caused by the severe thunderstorms. Businesses and public infrastructure, such as roads and houses, have been severely damaged. No injuries or fatalities have been confirmed at this stage. Our teams are currently conducting an assessment, and updates will be communicated in due course,” said the eThekwini Municipality in a recent statement.
The municipality is advising the public to take precautionary measures by moving to safer places and avoiding travelling to mitigate risk. “These thunderstorms may cause localised damage to settlements, vehicles, livelihood, livestock and power surges due to excessive lightning. The public is also warned of localised injuries and danger to life due to lightning.”
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“The disaster teams in all the municipalities have been activated. We advise communities to seek shelter in safe places. Public facilities, such as community halls, are open as safe havens for those in need of shelter. Our teams may have to evacuate people should they foresee a high risk of danger due to inclement weather. Motorists are strongly advised to avoid travelling during this period as bridges may become flooded, posing a risk to life,” said the City.
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