KwaZulu-Natal’s Provincial Disaster Management Centre, working alongside emergency services, is on high alert as heavy rainfall continues to sweep across the province. The downpours, which began yesterday, are expected to persist into tomorrow (September 30), bringing the risk of flooding, storm damage, and dangerous travel conditions.

Although no major disasters have been reported so far, the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has urged residents to remain vigilant. “Roads are slippery, and several low-lying areas are at risk of localised flooding. We appeal to all road users and communities to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel, especially in flood-prone zones,” Buthelezi said.

This morning (September 29) in Pietermaritzburg, a bakkie was swept from a low-lying bridge in Lincoln Meade. The driver escaped unharmed after swimming to safety. Buthelezi stressed that motorists should never attempt to cross flooded bridges or rivers, warning that such actions place lives at serious risk.

In a separate incident, Pietermaritzburg fire and rescue teams responded swiftly to a factory blaze. Thanks to their rapid intervention, the fire was contained and no injuries were reported.

The South African Weather Service has issued a Level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms across KwaZulu-Natal, with the possibility of damaging winds, hail, and heavy downpours. Officials warn that infrastructure could be affected and public safety threatened if conditions worsen.

Disaster Management teams are continuing to monitor vulnerable areas and have called on residents to report emergencies to local authorities. Communities are encouraged to follow official updates and exercise caution until the weather stabilises.

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The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.