THE South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Level 6 weather warning for today (October 16) in some parts of KwaZulu-Natal, including eThekwini.

According to the weather service, heavy rainfall is expected, which may result in localised flooding in formal and informal settlements, as well as structural damage.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs said the SAWS had raised the alert level to orange, Level 6 – the highest warning level – due to the high risk of flooding which may damage roads, bridges and formal and informal settlements.

Also read: Safety tips to adhere to during the stormy weather

“The anticipated rainfall is expected to persist from Monday afternoon until midnight and could result in damage within the following municipalities: eThekwini Metro, Ugu, Harry Gwala, Ilembe and Umgungundlovu District Municipalities,” said department spokesperson Siboniso Mngadi.

“The department has convened an urgent meeting with the Joint Operation Cluster which includes all of the municipalities in the province that may be affected and a disaster team to put proactive measures in place. All Disaster Management Centres have been activated to monitor the weather pattern and risk and respond to any unforeseen events. The JOC teams will assess the readiness status of all municipalities likely to be impacted.”

Meanwhile, the eThekwini Municipality said its emergency teams are on high alert to monitor the situation.

They have urged residents to contact their call centre number on 031 361 0000 for emergencies.

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