Pietermaritzburg: KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka called on residents of northern KZN exercise caution as heavy rains in that region continue.
Since yesterday, heavy rains have been reported in the uMkhanyakude district and in parts of King Cetshwayo and Zululand districts.
Disaster management teams have responded to cases emanating from the inclement weather conditions.
In Jozini, a family had to be evacuated when their home was flooded. In this case, the family requested to be moved to their relatives who reside in a safer part of the area. This incident took place in Ward 6 in eMkhonjeni in the Jozini municipality.
In another case in Abaqulusi, Ward 13 at Esilweni a house collapsed in the early hours of the morning at about 2 am, injuring 2 people. The injured were immediately taken to the hospital and have since been discharged.
The South African Weather Service has indicated that inclement weather conditions are expected to continue throughout today going into the evening with severe downpours expected in uMkhanyakude where the ground is already saturated with rain water. Disaster management teams will be keeping an eye on these developments as the risk of widespread flooding remains very high.
Residents in Big Five-Hlabisa, Jozini, Mtubatuba and uMhlabuyalinga have been urged to be vigilant and to tune into their community radio stations for the latest updates on the weather conditions.
Hlomuka appeals to communities to abide by the instructions of their local disaster management officials in areas where evacuations may be required.
Arrangements for community halls to be opened in high-risk areas have been made where residents can seek shelter. All Covid-19 protocols will be followed should the community halls be utilised.