The Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department has placed disaster management teams on high alert after a severe weather warning was issued by the South African Weather Service.
This means that large parts of KZN can expect heavy rain, raising the possibility of widespread flooding across the province today (Thursday) and Friday, January 6.
Read original article here: WEATHER WARNING: Disruptive rainfall places KwaZulu-Natal on high alert
These weather warnings, which have been assigned levels 9 and 5 in terms of severity and likelihood, could spell disaster for communities living in low-lying areas.
These rains may cause localized flooding in low-lying areas, vulnerable settlements, roads, and bridges.
A level 5 weather warning for disruptive rain has been issued for: Abaqulusi, Alfred Duma Indaka, Alfred Duma – Ladysmith, Dannhauser, Dr N. Dlamini-Zuma-Underberg, eDumbe, eMadlangeni, Endumeni, Greater Kokstad, Impendle, Ingwe, Inkosi Langalibalele Escourt, Inkosi Langalibalele Sobabili, Mpofana Giants Castle, Mpofana- Mooi River, Msinga, Newcastle, Nkandla, Nongoma, Nquthu, Okhahlamba, Ray Nkonyeni, Ubuhlebezwe. Ulundi, Umdoni, uMngeni, UMuziwabantu, Umvoti, Umzimkhulu and Umzumbe.
Residents in the affected areas are asked to avoid unnecessary travel because it could put them in danger.
Parents must keep an eye on their children and keep them away from rivers and other bodies of water.
Safety tips:
- People living in low-lying areas must exercise extra caution during storms because sudden floods may occur.
- They should keep an eye on rising water levels and evacuate to a higher or safer location if necessary.
- Avoid crossing flooded roads or bridges; instead, take alternate routes.
- Never attempt to walk, swim, or drive through fast-flowing water. Even if the water is only 15cm deep, it has the power to sweep you off your feet.
- Drivers must exercise extreme caution and avoid driving through flooded areas. – Drive to and park in safer areas.
- Members of the public should contact their local ward councillors or municipal disaster management centers.
- If water is flowing strongly across a low-water bridge and the ground is not visible, do not attempt to drive over it.
- Keep your cellphone nearby and emergency contact information handy.
- Keep an extra eye out at night. It is more difficult to identify potentially fatal road hazards.
- Avoid camping or parking along rivers, especially during heavy rains or thunderstorms.
- Communities are encouraged to avoid contact with flood waters whenever possible. The water could be contaminated with raw sewage, oil, or other hazardous substances and it could also be contaminated with electricity from downed power lines.
“Because KZN has not fully recovered from last year’s floods, residents are urged to heed these warnings and avoid taking unnecessary risks.”
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