KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) is taking stock of the four days of heavy rain- and snowfall that caused numerous weather-related incidents across the province as a result of the cold front between 12 and 15 May. The department is also embarking on a clean-up operation to ensure that life throughout KZN returns to normal.
“We have logged and responded to a large number of incidents, including flash floods, which impacted on both public infrastructure and private property and disrupted lives in most parts of the province. On a positive note, the incessant rain has brought some relief to our water reservoirs, most of which, however, still remain below their capacity,” said KZN MEC for Cogta Nomusa Dube-Ncube.
Over the past weekend, KZN had experienced inclement weather conditions caused by a cold front moving in from the west as predicted by the South African Weather Service. This had resulted in extreme low temperatures, strong winds and heavy rainfall which caused localised flooding. Several snowfall-related incidents were reported in the western interior of the province, including the Drakensberg.
“We are pleased to report that all reported incidents were attended to promptly by our disaster management teams which provided immediate disaster relief to all affected communities. We are still assessing the long-term impact of damages to roads, public infrastructure and facilities as well as private properties and we continue to offer assistance to all concerned,” said Dube-Ncube.
KZN Cogta’s disaster management teams worked round the clock throughout the weekend and beyond in close cooperation with all District Disaster Management Centres that serve individual municipalities. The most affected municipalities included uThukela, uMkhanyakude, eThekwini, Ugu, Ilembe, King Cetshwayo, uMgungundlovu and uMzinyathi.
“Every new disaster puts our facilities to the test and we get better and better at responding to crises on the ground with shorter response times and more comprehensive relief packages. I would like to thank all our disaster management teams for their dedication which has saved many lives and mitigated the impact of many disasters for the communities that have no one else to turn to when disasters strike,” said Dube-Ncube.
For more information contact: KZN Cogta spokespersons Lennox Mabaso, 082 884 2403; or Msawakhe Mayisela, 060 966 4220
ENDS