COGTA cautions communities in Mpumalanga to be careful in the midst of the heavy rain
Several municipalities are experiencing heavy rainfall this Sunday. The wet weather is expected to continue beyond Monday as predicted by the South African Weather Services (SAWS).
Nkomazi, City of Mbombela, Thaba Chweu and Bushbuckridge local municipalities, in Ehlanzeni District, have received heavy rains.
The Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) in Mpumalanga said although the province has survived Cyclone Eloise, it remains on high alert.
The MEC for Cogta, Mandla Msibi, said the department will continue to monitor the weather patterns to respond to potential life-threatening emergency cases.
READ: IN PHOTOS: Eloise uproots trees, floods streets in Mpumalanga
“All our disaster-management systems remain on high alert. Our roads are slippery and we urge road-users to drive carefully. Those in the proximity of rivers and dams must monitor the water levels to evacuate,” Msibi said.
Msibi further cautioned communities not to risk their lives by crossing bridges and walking under power lines. He further warned against the circulation of fake news that may cause panic and anxiety.
“Apart from the contingency plans, councillors and community development workers are on standby and the disaster toll-free number have been activated to respond to distressed communities. Although no major incidents have been reported since the heavy rain started, sporadic cases of damaged houses have been reported at Mkhuhlu in Bushbuckridge Local Municipality,” he said.
The department’s disaster toll-free number is 0800-507-202.
