Disaster teams on standby as KZN weather alert issued

KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) has placed disaster management teams across the province on alert as heavy rains and thunderstorms are expected today (Friday, 11 November).

Reports received from the South African Weather Service indicate that western parts of the province namely Newcastle, Nquthu, Dundee, Vryheid and eDumbe in Zululand, will be affected most.

This extreme weather warning comes as heavy rains last week wreaked havoc in KZN with 220 households being affected by severe storms in the uMzinyathi district. Reports indicate that 11 people were injured in Nquthu, with five injured by lightning and one fatality as a result of this strike in the Msinga municipality, in ward 15 eNtabeni.

residents living in low-lying areas need to be extra vigilant and move to higher ground

Cogta MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube urges citizens to be on alert and residents living in low-lying areas to be extra vigilant and move to higher ground. “We have in the past experienced unnecessary loss of life in communities living near rivers. We also urge motorists to drive carefully and to avoid crossing low-lying bridges,” said Dube-Ncube.

The MEC urged parents and teachers to ensure that learners take safe routes when they make their way to school as exams have started in many schools. “Our disaster management teams are on standby and will be able to provide assistance if needed,” said Dube-Ncube.

Read also:

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