The Minister of Co-operative Governance and Indigenous Affairs in KwaZulu-Natal, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has put all disaster management teams in the province on high alert following updated severe weather warnings issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS).
Areas in the center of KwaZulu-Natal are facing a level 2 warning of rain that may cause damage on Tuesday, while coastal areas are facing a severe level 4 warning that will continue until Wednesday night. Minister Buthelezi urged communities and municipal emergency response teams to be more careful.
Affected municipalities: Msunduzi, Greater Kokstad, Nkandla, Richmond, Mngeni, Maphumulo, Ndwedwe, Umvoti, Mkhambathini, Mpofana, Mthonjaneni, Ubuhlebwe, Mshwathi, Muziwabantu, Umzimakhulu, and Ngwe.
Floods can be expected in certain areas which may lead to waterlogged roads and difficulties in driving. The affected municipalities in terms of coastal areas and those close to them include Theku, KwaDukuza, Mhlathuze, Ray Nkonyeni, Umdoni, Mandeni, Mtubatuba, Big Five Hlabisa, Mlalazi, and Mzumbe. Here, heavy rains exceeding 40mm are expected, major damage to buildings, and rivers that will overflow. This can lead to residents in vulnerable areas being forced to leave their homes.
Residents in the affected areas are advised to be very careful as this weather puts people’s health at great risk.