The City of uMhlathuze emergency teams are ready to assist members of the community with evacuations in case of heavy rains expected to affect the city as part of the Cyclone Eloise currently ravaging Mozambique and moving toward KZN.
Disaster Management teams, Fire and Rescue teams have plans in place to activate their operations to prevent any possible loss of life and damage to properties in case the storm hits the City.
Storms with a potential of flash floods, is expected tomorrow (Sunday) and last until latest on Tuesday.
The City has set aside all solid structure buildings such as community halls to be used as community safe places after evacuation. Churches has also been set aside for the same purposes in different parts of the City.
Storm water drainage systems has also been attended to in areas known to have potential blockages.
Members of the community especially in low lying areas, alongside river banks, wetlands, swamps and any other hazardous areas which has a potential of being flooded are to be on high alert.
City Mayor Cllr Mduduzi Mhlongo calls for members of the public to adhere to evacuation procedures and instructions.
‘We have experienced heavy rains in the City before and seen how disastrous they can be and the serious damage it causes.
’Storms and flash floods are dangerous to human life, livestock and to properties such as vehicles, etc.
’Our team has all the plans ready to assist in any eventuality that is expected with Storm Eloise.
‘Evacuation teams requires fully cooperation with all those who are affected or in danger of being affected. We plead with all community members to follow all the instructions given by the emergency teams because they aimed at saving human lives.
‘Driving and being on the road during the storms must be avoided at all costs. Motorists and pedestrians must also not attempt to cross low lying flooding bridges,’ Mhlongo said.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS:
24 HOUR HOTLINE: 0860 222 827
035 907 5723/22
035 797 3911
035 797 33 13/4/5
