KwaZulu-Natal has been hit by severe rain, hail and thunderstorms over the past couple of days.

KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Sipho Hlomuka released a press statement earlier today regarding the inclement weather conditions in the province. In it, the MEC said since poor weather conditions began on October 25, there were 16 confirmed casualties, including two killed during the tornado at New Hanover. The statement further mentioned Disaster Management teams from all 11 District Disaster Management Centres in the province, coordinated by the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, continued efforts and assessments of the damages.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) further indicated heavy rainfall (as high as 150 millimetres or more), together with strong gale-force winds could be expected across the province from this afternoon up until Friday evening.  It is believed the intensity of the rainfall is greater than that of April 2019.

All municipalities have been directed to be alert by CoGTA, and evacuate communities from all flood-line areas where necessary.  Schools have been notified to release all children not writing examinations. Schools have also been advised to stay closed tomorrow as weather conditions are anticipated to intensify.

The KZN Provincial Government also made a plea to businesspeople to allow employees to leave early and where possible, work from home. This however did not apply to employees who were rendering essential services. MEC Hlomuka also warned residents to avoid unnecessary risk and minimise their travel.

For emergencies, the MEC urged residents to call the emergency number of 10 177.

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