According to a statement released by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) earlier today (Thursday) the Disaster Risk Management Centre has received a further advice by the South African Weather Service of adverse weather which indicates that heavy rain (as high as 150mm or more) and strong gale-force winds are expected all over the province from this afternoon to tomorrow (Friday) evening.

Cogta has described this in a report as a ‘mega-storm’. The expected storms are likely to be coupled with gale-force winds, mud slides, hail storms and localised flooding. The intensity of these rains is anticipated to be greater than that experienced in April 2019, during Easter holidays.

ALSO READ: Bad weather leads to some schools, Ugu offices closing early

In consultation with the Premier Sihle Zikalala, a Provincial Joint Operation Centre has been established in eThekwini which will coordinate province-wide responses to imminent crises as they unfold.

This is operating 24/7 from the eThekwini Disaster Management Centre.

All municipalities have been instructed to set District joint Operation Centres which will coordinate district-wide responses to crises as and when needed.

Provincial department to intervene: Roads to be manned

Major roads will be monitored by the Provincial Department of Transport so that no one who traversed them is at risk. This will require that traffic on busy roads and in busy intersections is managed in an orderly manner.

Schools and business urged to release learners and workers early

Schools are asked to release children (especially those not writing exams) early and also to close schools for the duration of tomorrow as it is predicted that the inclement weather will intensify in KZN on Friday.

Business leaders and employers are also asked to also release workers early and allow people to work from home rather than report at their workplaces in the interest of public safety. This, of course, cannot apply to workers rendering essential services.

Citizens are urged not to take unnecessary risks and minimise movements.  Warnings and evacuations are being planned in flood-line areas and we urge everyone to cooperate with instructions from the emergency services.

People in distress are urged to call the 10177 in case of emergencies.

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