KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka has dispatched disaster management teams to Mtubatuba where the local uMfolozi river has burst its banks threatening residents in the surrounding settlements.
This afternoon rescue personnel responded to an incident where three women who were farming were cut off by rising waters of the uMfolozi River. A speedy response by rescue teams ensured that the women were brought to safety by boat.
Hlomuka has urged residents living along the banks of the uMfolozi river to seek higher ground as water levels are expected to increase further. “We are in contact with our teams on the ground and we urge residents living next to the river to seek shelter on higher ground. Our teams are on high alert in this area and will intervene timeously should the need arise,” said Hlomuka.
The contact numbers of KZN’s District Disaster Management Centres are as follows:
| Ugu District | 039 682 2414 |
| uMgungundlovu District | 033 343 1719 |
| uThukela District | 086 010 4257 |
| uMzinyathi District | 034 212 2222 |
| Amajuba District | 034 329 7200 |
| Zululand District | 035 870 1128/1130 |
| uMkhanyakude District | 080 011 7770/035 573 1647 |
| King Cetshwayo District | 086 100 3473/035 787 2698 |
| Ilembe District | 032 437 9379/1 |
| Harry Gwala District | 039 834 0070 |
| eThekwini Metro | 031 361 0000 |