KZN Premier Dr Zweli Mkhize has appeal to all residents to cooperate with structures
set up to deal with the aftermath of the incoming cyclone, expected to hit the province’s north coast later this Saturday afternoon.
“Cooperative Governance MEC Nomsa Dube will coordinate an MEC's Disaster Management Committee of Cabinet. We have been warned to put all our structures and communities on full alert in preparation for the cyclone,” said Dr Mkhize.
He said mayors and municipal managers from Umkhanyakude, Zululand, uThungulu, Ilembe, eThekwini, uMgungundlovu and Mzinyathi have been told to brace themselves for impact and spill over effects of the storm.
“It is better to be over prepared than be caught unprepared. Rescue and evacuation,
safety and fire units have been put on standby.”
Dr Mkhize said members of the Cabinet have set up a Joint Operations Centre with
Disaster Management, South African Police Service (SAPS), South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Emergency Medical and Rescue Services (EMRS), Fire Brigades and hospitals being activated.
“We have also activated service organisation, religious groups and charity organisation. Communities at risk must identified and if needed, be evacuated. A strong surveillance will be ensured to warn us in time, and the Provincial Disaster Team shall act without delay,” said Dr Mkhize.
The last storm of this magnitude hit the province was 15 years ago, and it resulted in
the deaths of 200 lives.
MEC Dube warned residents to remain calm, remain indoors and avoid crossing rivers
and streams.
For more information, contact:
Cyril Madlala
Head of Communications – KZN
Cell: 071 850 9596
E-mail: madlalac@premier.kzntl.gov.za
KZN mobilises to deal with cyclone
Province
