Disaster teams on standby as KZN braces for stormy weekend

Cogta’s disaster management teams have been placed on standby following a warning of severe thunderstorms over parts of KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday and Sunday. Picture: Tumi Pakkies/ Independent Newspapers

Cogta’s disaster management teams have been placed on standby following a warning of severe thunderstorms over parts of KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday and Sunday. Picture: Tumi Pakkies/ Independent Newspapers

Published Nov 9, 2024

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The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) says it's placed its disaster teams on high alert following a warning of severe storms over parts of KwaZulu-Natal this weekend.

This comes after the South African Weather Service has issued weather warnings for thunderstorms until Sunday.

"Saws has issued a Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms on Saturday," Cogta said.

Areas affected:

Abaqulusi, Alfred Duma - Indaka, Alfred Duma - Ladysmith, Big Five Hlabisa - Hlabisa, Big Five Hlabisa - Hluhluwe, Dannhauser, Dr N. Dlamini-Zuma - Underberg, eDumbe, eMadlangeni, Endumeni, Ethekwini, Greater Kokstad, Impendle, Ingwe, Inkosi Langalibalele - Escourt, Inkosi Langalibalele - Sobabili, Jozini, KwaDukuza, Mandeni, Maphumulo, Mkhambathini, Mpofana - Giants Castle, Mpofana - Mooi River, Msinga, Mthonjaneni, Mtubatuba, Ndwedwe, and Newcastle.

Meanwhile, Saws further issued a Level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms for Sunday.

Affected areas:

Abaqulusi, Alfred Duma - Indaka, Alfred Duma - Ladysmith, Big Five Hlabisa - Hlabisa, Big Five Hlabisa - Hluhluwe, Dannhauser, Dr N. Dlamini-Zuma - Underberg, eDumbe, eMadlangeni, Endumeni, eThekwini, Greater Kokstad, Impendle, Ingwe, Inkosi Langalibalele - Escourt, Inkosi Langalibalele - Sobabili, Jozini, KwaDukuza, Mandeni, Maphumulo, Mkhambathini, Mpofana - Giants Castle, Mpofana - Mooi River, Msinga, Mthonjaneni, Mtubatuba, Ndwedwe, and Newcastle.

The department said these weather conditions could lead to heavy downpours, large amounts of small hail, excessive lightning, and damaging winds, resulting in flooding and damage to infrastructure.

"The province has already experienced significant rainfall, with the risk of more rain potentially resulting in flooding, especially in low-lying areas," said Cogta MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi.

The MEC appeals to residents to heed the weather warnings and to ensure their safety and that of their families. Disaster management teams will continue to monitor areas that are prone to weather-related incidents.

Advice to residents:

• Take caution and avoid travelling on bridges and roads in low-lying areas as these may be susceptible to flooding.

• Avoid outdoor activities as lightning, hail, and flooding may result in injuries and death.

• If possible, stay indoors well clear of windows, shelter pets, and cover vehicles.

• Move livestock and cars to safe sheltered areas as there may be flying debris.

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