KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Nomusa Dube-Ncube has placed her department’s disaster management teams on alert following the weather warning issued by the South African Weather Service about heavy rains which could lead to localised flooding in eThekwini, Ilembe, King Cetshwayo, uMkhanyakude and Ugu districts.
The weather reports indicate that showers are expected from tomorrow, Tuesday, afternoon and will become heavy from early in the morning on Wednesday until 2pm. The impact of this is that roads could become flooded leading to traffic disruptions, especially for commuters in the morning. Small streams may also rise sharply, with low-lying bridges overflowing. Mudslides are a possibility along river embankments.
“We are urging our communities to take precautions and those who are planning to travel need to take into consideration the inclement weather. We have also instructed our disaster management teams to monitor key routes that are prone to flash flooding,” said Dube-Ncube.
The warning comes at a time when the province is gearing up to host thousands of holidaymakers. “Natural disasters are a risk in KZN as heavy rains and floods leave millions of rands in damages and occasionally result in loss of life. Parents must ensure that children are safe and do not go out when the weather is bad. Those residing in low-lying areas need to find shelter on higher ground,” continued Dube-Ncube.
Emergency plans have been activated in municipalities to ensure that adequate support is provided to those who might be affected by the heavy rains.
For more information contact: KZN Cogta spokespersons: Lennox Mabaso, 082 884 2403; or Msawakhe Mayisela, 060 966 4220
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