Unpredictable rain set to continue in KZN

IT has been a very wet few weeks for Durbanites and the rain hasn’t shown any signs of letting up with more being predicted by weather services in the coming week.

Schools closed under the directive of the education department and many employers sent their staff home early, on Thursday, after threats of downpours.

The South African Weather Service weather forecaster, Wayne Venter expects slightly different conditions for this weekend.

“Although the rain should continue next week, it should be calming down (starting today) and over the course of the weekend, with cloudy conditions,” he said.

The IFP’s KZN Legislature Caucus has urged the KZN government to intensify emergency services in areas prone to flooding after a tornado left a trail of destruction in uMshwathi Local Municipality outside Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday night, according to its media statement.

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The IFP is also linking these bizarre weather patterns to climate change and they want the government to educate people more about the issue.

“The government must also embark on increasing awareness on climate change as the IFP believes that as people learn more about climate change, they may be more vigilant and make informed decisions that could save their lives.”

A media release by the South African Weather Service after the New Hanover Tornado reported that, “There is a sustained high risk of further severe weather conditions over the eastern half of the country for the next three days with the possibility of strong damaging winds, hail, as well as heavy downpours. KwaZulu-Natal is expected to be the province particularly affected by these extreme conditions. With the high amounts of rain that have already been experienced, the risk for flooding is very high in places.”

The reality of climate change shouldn’t be the only thing Durbanites should fear with all this rain.

Snakes rear their heads

The eThekwini Municipality has warned that the increased flooding and heavy rain could result in increased snake activity.

“These wet conditions are also likely to result in the emergence of certain ground-dwelling snake species seeking places of safety,” the statement read. It also includes a second opinion from reptile curator, James Wittstock for Crocworld Conservation Centre, who said:

“With the rain comes the smaller fossorial species which are snakes that spend most of their time beneath the surface of the ground. As the water levels rise, the oxygen levels diminish and these snakes are forced to leave their subterranean homes. While most of these are harmless to humans, there are certain species that could be potentially dangerous.”

“The heavy rains will also cause the more commonly seen terrestrial species to seek refuge – often in and around homes,” continued Wittstock.

“This is generally because they are seeking warmth and food. It is not uncommon for snakes to be found in the roofs of houses where it is dry and they can hunt rats and geckos,” Wittstock said.

The Provincial Executive Council of KwaZulu-Natal held its ordinary meeting on Wednesday, 13 November and received a preliminary report on the recent disaster incidents that have caused some destruction in various parts of the province of KwaZulu-Natal.

The report said KZN has been experiencing extreme weather conditions since October and areas outside Durban, such as  Abaqulusi, Jozini, uMgungundlovu, uMzinyathi, Ilembe, Harry Gwala and uThukela have all been affected.

Schools closed

The KZN MEC for COGTA, Sipho Hlomuka and eThekwini Mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda, briefed the media on the inclement weather conditions in KZN yesterday.

“Schools and businesses are urged to release learners and workers early. We are also asking schools to release children (especially those not writing exams) early and also to close schools for the duration of tomorrow as it is predicted that the inclement weather will intensify in KZN on Friday.”

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The Department of Education HOD, Dr EV Nzama issued this statement:

1. Grade 12 learners writing NSC Exams must attend.

2. Grade 11s writing common papers must attend.

3. All other Grades are suspended for the day

4. Schools are requested to make the necessary adjustments to their internal timetables for the other grades

But there was still much confusion among parents as schools sent messages to parents that they were closing, however, not all schools closed.

And, single parents and those unable to fetch their children, had to hastily make plans to not only get their children picked up, but get them to a safe place as the aftercare facilities also closed.

The reason for closing schools was for those living in areas severely affected by the rains and flooding to vacate early.

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