UPDATE 4.30pm

The inclement weather conditions are expected to continue through the week with severe thunderstorms and gale-force winds along the coast forecast for this afternoon,  said KZN MEC for Cogta Sipho Hlomuka.

He has urged residents across the province to exercise great caution, adding that the weather had claimed an additional two casualties at eMawoti since yesterday.

 “Our heartfelt condolences go to the families and communities of the two latest victims (Aaron Smangaliso Zondo, 57 and Angelina Nomathamsanqa Nyangule, 56). At the same time, we would like to assure the public that our disaster management teams remain on high alert to respond to all incidents that are reported to us,” he said.

KZN Cogta is urging communities to heed all weather and travel advisories issued by the South African Weather Service and their local authorities. Parents and teachers are urged to exercise additional caution with regards to the welfare of school-going children, many of whom have to brave the poor weather conditions.

“We also urge pedestrians to refrain from low lying areas that are prone to flooding and motorists to avoid all unnecessary travel. The welfare of our communities is our utmost priority and our disaster management teams are on standby to offer whatever assistance is needed.”

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There is water, water everywhere after days of almost non-stop rain since Friday. After a very dry spell, the much needed rain has soaked the South Coast.

However, it seems more is on the way, so it’s a time – to some extent – to batten down the hatches and take it easy, especially on the roads.

Fred Beaver said the Wild Coast Country Club, just south of Port Edward, had  had about 100mm since Friday.

“Some are saying 70mm+ but I reckon it’s more. The dams have filled up quickly which is good news ahead of season,” he said.

At Southbroom Golf Club, Dane Adendorff said around 100mm had fallen.

“The dams cannot get any fuller, it’s flowing off into the ocean now,” he said. “And apparently there is more to come.”

Bushy Vales farmer David Mitchell said 130mm had fallen during the month of November so far.

“Some 92mm fell over the weekend,” he said, saying that the area had not experienced any serious problems.

Umzumbe farmer Matthew Watts, said that in the past week around a 180mm had fallen.

ALSO READ: Tips for surviving storms

“The rivers are pumping and some bridges have been damaged (not on the main road, though, just to be clear).”

“There’s been a lot of rain, with forecasts of 60mm or 70mm more coming. That’s going to make life challenging, but we’ve dealt with it in the past so we’ll deal with it again.”

The Cooperative Governance Department said a 24-year-old woman was killed by lighting in the Okhahlamba Municipality.

“We are urging residents to be cautious and double-check the weather forecast before making any long journeys. We appeal to parents and teachers to ensure that scholars utilise proper routes going to and coming from schools,” said KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Sipho Hlomuka.

Yesterday (Monday) South African Weather issued a warning that localised flooding and reduced visibilty could be expected over parts of Ugu and Ethekwini.

Ugu District Municipality has confirmed that there’s been  205mm of rainfall from October 24 to November 11, measured at the Bhobhoyi purification water plant.

Tips for the road

Wet weather is usually associated with poor visibility. Here are a few tips from Netcare 911 to make sure you are safe.
1. Make sure your windshield wipers are in a good condition.
2. Ensure that your tyres are also in a good condition.
3. Make sure all headlights, tail lights, brake lights and indicators are functioning properly to ensure that other drivers can see you during heavy rains.
4. Turn on your headlights.
5. When driving in wet weather conditions, remember to slow down (reduce speed).
6. Maintain a safe following distance between vehicles.
7. Overtake only when it is safe to do so.
8. Do not drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
9. Avoid using your phone while your car is in motion.
10. Most importantly, buckle up!
11. Ensure that children/babies are secured in a car child seat.
12. Do not drive on unfamiliar roads.

Flash floods can  occur within six hours of heavy rains, and there is often little warning. If you do live in areas prone to flash floods, bear the following in mind:

1. Always memorise emergency numbers.
2. Avoid low lying areas, climb to higher ground if you find yourself in the middle of a flash flood.
3. Avoid walking or driving through flash floods.
4. Abandon your vehicle immediately if you find yourself in the middle of a flash flood, open the window and escape!

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