THE eThekwini Municipality is working on building weather-resilient infrastructure in response to the ongoing floods that have caused widespread destruction across the metro.

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Manager for Disaster Management, Jotham Khumalo, announced that the municipality is set to rebuild damaged infrastructure, with the cost expected to exceed R2 billion. Khumalo shared this update during the municipality’s podcast, eThekwini Matters.

Click on the link to read more on weather warning updates in eThekwini. 

Khumalo emphasised that the municipality has launched a flood relief plan, focusing on an integrated approach to disaster management.

What does the flood relief plan entail?

• Weather warning updates
• Rebuilding weather-resilient infrastructure
• Engaging with communities about how to respond during an emergency
• Contact details in case of an emergency
• Expediting long-term solutions

In addition, amid the region’s unpredictable weather patterns, Khumalo highlighted the municipality’s ongoing public awareness programmes aimed at keeping residents informed about weather forecasts and related precautions.

“We issue early warning updates through our communications unit which they send out to the public timeously,” said Khumalo.

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He urged residents in low-lying areas to relocate to safer, higher ground to avoid the risk of drowning during flooding events.

“People must be aware of their surroundings at all times and take necessary precautions. We also warn the people to refrain from invading open spaces as building in these areas increases the risk of flooding during heavy rains.”

In response to ongoing floods, chairperson of the Merewest Community Foundation, Premilla Deonath, has launched a campaign to raise awareness about how to respond during a flooding emergency.

Deonath is urging residents to have a bag – a survival kit with essentials that can be easily used in the event of an emergency.

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“A go bag is an invaluable survival tool and should be the size of a small backpack made (where possible) of waterproof material.

“It should be kept in an easily accessible place and all persons living in the home should know where it is kept. It is advised to refresh the food / water and medication every three months.

A go bag should include among other things:

• Non-perishable food items like packet soup / noodles, nuts, dried fruit and energy bars. Include rehydratable pet food if there are pets.
• Water – two to three bottles 250ml size.
• ⁠Emergency blankets (the foil type) as it’s impractical to pack clothing.
• Cash
• Photocopy of ID, passports (of all family members) and property records and any other important documents like a will.
• A small first aid kit
• A multi-tool (the Swiss army type)
• A week”s supply of chronic medication if anyone is on it.
• Spare house and car keys
• ⁠Power Bank
• Wipes
• Whistle (to alert rescue workers)

“Do not over-pack a go bag with unnecessary items. It should have some essential supplies that can be easily grabbed in the event of an emergency like flooding or evacuation from the home. It is an invaluable survival tool,” Deonath added.

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