As the state prepares for severe weather, officials are urging the public to cooperate and prioritize safety. (Papi Morake/Gallo Images via Getty Images)
Disaster management teams across KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) are on high alert following a severe weather warning from the South African Weather Service.
The city of eThekwini announced on Sunday that the city's disaster management center and emergency services were closely monitoring the situation as heavy rain and thunderstorms hit the region, with potentially life-threatening impacts expected.
From Sunday to Tuesday, October 22, eThekwini and other parts of the state, including Ugwu, Umgungundlovu and Ilembe districts, will experience destructive rainfall, thunderstorms, excessive lightning, large hail and damaging There will be wind.
The Bureau of Meteorology's first warning predicts devastating rain in the affected areas from Sunday. The second warning is that severe thunderstorms could occur across the rest of KZN, leading to flooding and infrastructure damage.
KZN's Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) MEC, Pastor Thulasizwe Buthelezi, said the province had mobilized the disaster management team to monitor high-risk areas and provide immediate assistance if needed.
“We appeal to residents to take these warnings seriously as the weather poses a serious threat to human life,” Buthelezi said, adding that all relevant line departments and local governments had activated disaster mitigation plans.
eThekwini Municipality urged residents, especially those living in low-lying areas at risk of flooding, to remain vigilant.
“Our teams remain on high alert as some areas are at risk,” a city spokesperson said, adding that while there were no reports of flooding by midday, there were no weather-related incidents. He pointed out that the possibility of serious damage remains high.
Mr Buthelezi urged people to be extremely careful on the roads as slippery conditions could lead to accidents.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed of reliable weather information and report any emergencies.
Residents of eThekwini can contact the municipality's emergency hotline on 031 361 0000.
A state joint steering committee meeting will be held by the state disaster management center later Sunday to assess preparedness and coordinate responses to the expected weather conditions. Search and rescue teams and humanitarian relief partners are also on standby.
