WATCH: Warnings issued amid heavy rains
Level 6 alert for King Cetshwayo and Umkhanyakude district municipalities
Disaster management teams remain on high alert on Tuesday across KZN amid continued heavy rains.
More rain is expected until Wednesday with the South African Weather Services (SAWS) issuing a level 6 alert for King Cetshwayo and Umkhanyakude district municipalities.
Other municipalities in the eastern parts of the province are on a level 2 alert.
While no major incidents have reported, KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) has warned residents to be vigilant.
“As the rains continue, residents are advised to avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where the water level is above ankle height,” the department stated on Tuesday.
“Residents are urged to adhere to the instructions issued by the municipalities and law enforcement agencies regarding road closures due to flooding.
“All municipalities that are likely to be affected have taken precautionary measures, including preparing evacuation plans, such as public buildings as safe havens in case some people need to be evacuated.
“We also appeal to all residents to postpone non-essential travelling as some roads are flooded during this period.”
Safety of school pupils
Meanwhile, the KZN Department of Education has issued directives to schools across the province to ensure the safety of pupils.
“Based on the experience of April 2022, it is imperative that schools and offices adhere to specific guidelines in the event of extreme rainfall, wind, or any other natural disaster which may threaten the lives of learners, teachers, and officials,” said KZN Education, Head of Department (HoD) Nkosinathi Ngcobo.
“It is significant to note that any damage to road infrastructure may render learners and educators unable to make their way to schools.
This includes delivery of food items necessary for the feeding of learners.
“Should the situation be completely unfavourable, the principal takes the responsibility to advise parents to keep their children at home.
“In the event that learners are already at school, principals must observe the severity of the rainfall and decide either to keep learners in school for their safety or immediately release them before the situation worsens.”
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