KwaZulu-Natal residents are advised to brace themselves for disruptive rainfall expected to affect large parts of the province from Monday to Wednesday.

MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has issued a warning that areas including Maphumulo, KwaDukuza, Mandeni and Ndwedwe will be among those impacted.

Additional areas to be affected include Big Five Hlabisa, Hluhluwe, eThekwini, Jozini, Mkhambathini, Mthonjaneni, Nongoma, Ray Nkonyeni, Umdoni, Umhlabuyalingana, uMhlathuze, uMlalazi, Umzumbe and uPhongolo.

Buthelezi said disaster management teams have been placed on high alert following a severe weather warning issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS).

“The inclement weather conditions are expected to cause the overflowing of low-water bridges, localised flooding, and potentially disrupt major routes across KwaZulu-Natal, especially during a period when holidaymakers are returning home,” said Buthelezi.

Residents are urged to take the following safety precautions:

• Avoid crossing flooded roads or swollen streams.
• Move to higher ground immediately if rising water levels are observed.
• Refrain from travelling across bridges or on roads in low-lying areas prone to flooding.
• When driving in showery conditions, ensure vehicle headlights are on, maintain a safe speed, and keep windscreens clear for optimal visibility.

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