THE South African Weather Service issued a Level 5 weather warning for eThekwini for disruptive rain this morning (April 16).

Also read: Floods cause damage in Amanzimtoti and beyond [Pictures]

The ongoing rainfall poses a risk of flooding of roads and settlements, risk of damage to bridges, disruption to traffic flow due to road flooding or closures, and disruption to essential services, including water and electricity.

In Umgababa, learners at Umgababa Primary School were turned back after they found their school inaccessible and flooded this morning.

The Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has assured residents that disaster management teams will continue to be on alert and monitor the weather conditions.

Residents in the affected areas are advised to be vigilant and adhere to the following precautions:

• Remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel on roads whenever possible.
• Avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams, especially where water levels are above ankle height.
• If your vehicle becomes trapped in flood waters, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground.
• Ensure that valuable items within buildings are moved to a safe place above anticipated flood levels.
• In rural areas relocate animals to higher ground.
• Exercise extreme caution when travelling, and avoid travel if possible, as roads may be flooded and potholes obscured by water.

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