Disaster management on alert in Richards Bay area

The King Cetshwayo District disaster management unit in KwaZulu-Natal says it is ready to deal with any sort of localised flooding following warnings of inclement weather for the district, reports the Zululand Observer.

On Tuesday, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a weather warning for most parts of the country, with emphasis placed on KZN.

“Today, rainfall is expected to move eastwards, with the Eastern Cape and KZN particularly well-favoured to receive widespread rainfall.

“These provinces may even experience heavy rainfall as well as localised flooding, especially along the coast and adjacent interior regions.”

SA Weather Services’ weather warning was followed by Cogta MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube’s note that communities should be warned and disaster management units should be on standby.

Acting district municipal manager TF Mnguni said the disaster management centre is ready and prepared for the expected heavy rains in the King Cetshwayo District.

“We have alerted all the local municipalities and requested their disaster management teams to be ready to respond to any event during this period.

“We have checked our stock of relief material [blankets, plastic sheeting and so on], and are confident that we have enough supplies in case we need to assist affected communities.

“We have also contacted the KZN Cogta Provincial Disaster Management Centre for backup should the need arise.”

With heavy rain predicted, coupled with strong southeasterly gale force winds and rough seas (4-6m waves), most beaches in Richards Bay have been closed as the Sharks Board has lifted the shark nets.

– Caxton News Service

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