KZN disaster teams remain on storm alert

On Thursday, severe rain, hail and thunderstorms continued in parts of the province

November 23, 2019

Carlien Grobler 1 minute read

The South African Weather Services (SAWS) issued a warning last week, cautioning KwaZulu-Natal residents of heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Residents of Vryheid experienced this firsthand last Tuesday. On Thursday, severe rain, hail and thunderstorms continued in parts of the province, prompting KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Sipho Hlomuka to release a press statement.
In it, the MEC said since October 25, there were 16 confirmed casualties.
The statement further mentioned Disaster Management teams from all 11 District Disaster Management Centres in the province, coordinated by the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, continued efforts and assessment of the damages. SAWS further expected rainfall as high as 150 millimetres and more and gale-force winds across the province.
Believing the rainfall was of a greater intensity than April this year, MEC Hlomuka directed all municipalities to be on alert to evacuate communities from flood-line areas when necessary. Schools were also been instructed to send those not writing exams home. On the same day, a Disaster Management team was dispatched to Mtubatuba after the Umfolozi River burst its banks and threatened to wash away residents of the nearby settlements. Three female farmers were cut off by the rising water. Fortunately, they were taken to safety by rescue personnel, and MEC Hhlomuka urged residents living on river banks to seek higher ground, should water levels rise.
“We are in contact with our teams on the ground and we urge residents living next to the river to seek shelter on higher ground. Our teams are on high alert in this area and will intervene timeously should the need arise.” In the case of an emergency, contact the KZN Disaster Management Centre (Zululand District) on 035 870 1128/1130.