RISK OF VELD FIRES FOR NORTHERN KZN, COGTA’S MEC HLOMUKA CALLS FOR VIGILANCE

Damaged houses in Mvoti Local Municipality following the strong winds that struck last night.

Residents in northern KZN have been urged to take great caution by the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka, following a warning issued by the South African Weather Service which warned of the possible risk of the spread of veld fires in these areas.

MEC Hlomuka has placed disaster management teams on alert in the likelihood of any incidences taking place. “We are appealing to our communities to take great caution as veld fires pose a serious risk to human life. This weekend our teams responded to an incident in Nkandla where 20 houses were destroyed by runaway fires. We are therefore appealing to all residents to take the necessary precautions which include not making fires in open areas. We are also appealing to smokers to dispose of cigarette stumps appropriately” said Hlomuka.

 

Strong winds damage houses in near Greytown

Disaster Management teams in the uMvoti Local Municipality last night responded to an incident where 108 houses were damaged by heavy winds in the areas of Mbilwana, Zihlokweni, Manyonyo and Domrey in Wards 1, 2 and 3. In this incident, one person was injured and has received medical attention. Disaster teams are continuing to provide support to the 353 people affected by this incident.

 

Cold weather conditions for parts of KZN

MEC Hlomuka has also noted the cold weather conditions across large parts of the province and has appealed to residents to remain vigilant in their efforts to keep warm. “We are appealing to residents that utilise generators and braziers to utilise them in a manner that is safe and poses no risk to human life,” said Hlomuka.

 

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