KZN disaster management teams on high alert amid severe weather forecast

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has predicted severe thunderstorms over the King Cetshwayo District between 2pm and 11pm on Thursday.

Storms are expected to move towards Ulundi, Nongoma and southern parts of the uMkhanyakude district, reports Zululand Observer.

Possible hazards include heavy downpours leading to localised flooding, strong, damaging winds, and hail.

Warning:09/01/2020 14h00 TO:09/01/2020 23h00 Severe Thunderstorms- obs over King Cetshwayo (DM) moving towards Ulundi(LM), Nongoma (LM) and southern parts of Umkhanyakude (DM)(KZN).

Possible Hazards: heavy downpours leading to localised flooding, strong damaging winds, hail

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) January 9, 2020

The KZN department of cooperative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta) has placed its disaster management teams on high alert.

“We are very concerned about the ongoing inclement weather conditions in our province,” said Cogta MEC, Sipho Hlomuka.

“We are taking all necessary precautions to ensure that our communities receive adequate support should the need arise.”

This round of severe weather comes after last week’s devastating rain and thunderstorms, which destroyed 150 houses in Estcourt.

According to Cogta, close to 750 people had been affected.

Last month, the department responded to several weather-related incidents in numerous areas, including Ulundi.

Hlomuka urged communities to pay close attention to weather reports and to inform authorities at ward level should any incidents occur.

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