KZN COGTA MEC Buthelezi encourages the public to remain vigilant as heavy rains are expected to continue from Thursday to Friday in the southern parts of the province
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Rev. Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has activated the Disaster Joint Operations Centre (JOC) in anticipation of disruptive rains expected from Thursday to Friday in the province.
This comes after the South African Weather Service issued a Level 4 warning for disruptive rains that could lead to flooding of roads and settlements in the southern parts of KwaZulu-Natal. The rains are expected to start in the early hours of Thursday and continue throughout the day until Friday.
Municipalities likely to be affected include Ray Nkonyeni, Msunduzi, eThekwini Metro, KwaDukuza, Mandeni, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Kokstad, Impendle, Maphumulo, Mkhambathini, Inkosi Langalibalele, Ndwedwe, Richmond, Umdoni, uMlalazi, uMngeni, uMshwathi, UMuziwabantu, Umvoti, Umzimkhulu and Umzumbe.
The disruptive rains could lead to:
- Major disruption of traffic flow due to major roads being flooded or closed.
- Damage to property and infrastructure, as well as loss of livelihoods and livestock.
- Danger to life due to fast-flowing streams and deep water.
- Displacement of affected communities.
- Some communities becoming temporarily inaccessible or cut off.
MEC Buthelezi is encouraging communities, particularly those in the mentioned municipalities, to exercise extreme caution and take all necessary measures to ensure their safety. The JOC, which includes all municipalities, law enforcement agencies, emergency services and social partners, has been activated. Precautionary measures are being put in place by municipalities to make safe havens available to communities living in informal settlements and low-lying areas.
“We are encouraging communities to take safety measures, as these rains pose a serious threat to life. All municipalities have been activated to open safe spaces. Our disaster teams will closely monitor the situation in the next two days and we urge communities to comply with any safety measures that may have to be implemented. We further urge motorists to remain cautious, as some roads may be closed due to flooding. Avoid being on the roads unless necessary until the weather clears,” said MEC Buthelezi.
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