THE recent weather warning issued by the South African Weather Service indicates that eThekwini Municipality is among the areas at risk of experiencing severe thunderstorms and lightning tomorrow (March 6).

The SA Weather Service issued a level 4 weather warning, urging residents to remain on high alert. The warning indicates that a cold front and a ridging high-pressure system will trigger widespread showers and thunderstorms.

Also read: KZN floods listed in top 10 costliest climate disasters of 2022

MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs in KZN, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has placed the provincial disaster management centre (PDMC) and all municipal disaster management teams on high alert.

Buthelezi has expressed serious concern regarding the potential for loss of life and damage to infrastructure.

“We are taking no chances with this Level 4 alert. I have directed the Provincial Disaster Management Centre to co-ordinate with all District Disaster Hubs to ensure that our teams are ready to respond to any emergencies. Our disaster management personnel are currently on high alert across the province,” said Buthelezi.

Impact and areas at risk

Areas in eThekwini, Newcastle, Ladysmith (Alfred Duma), Port Shepstone (Ray Nkonyeni), and Pietermaritzburg.

The PDMC warns that the storms could lead to the flooding of roads and bridges, as well as significant damage to formal and informal settlements.

The department urges residents to adhere to the following safety instructions:

• Avoid travel unless it is absolutely necessary.
• Do not attempt to cross flooded rivers or streams even if the water looks shallow.
• Ensure that loose items around the home are secured and move livestock to higher ground.
• Stay indoors, away from windows, and avoid using metal objects like umbrellas, golf clubs, or fishing rods.

“We appeal to our communities to remain vigilant. If you are in a low-lying area and see water rising, do not wait, move to higher ground immediately,” the MEC added.

The provincial disaster management centre will continue to monitor the weather patterns throughout the next 24 hours.

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