ZULULANDERS are warned to take the necessary precautions against potential flooding as the SA Weather Service (SAWS) elevated its level 6 warning for disruptive rain to level 8.

The level 8 warning includes the KZN coastline and adjacent interior, and is in place from midnight tonight (Sunday) to 11pm on Monday.

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Areas within the Zululand region to be affected are Hlabisa, Hluhluwe, Jozini, Mandeni, Mthonjaneni, Nongoma, Pongola, uMhlabuyalingana, uMhlathuze and uMlalazi.

The level 8 warning comes after the SAWS on Saturday announced a level 4 warning for Sunday and Monday, elevating this to level 6 for Monday, and subsequently pushing it to level 8.

According to the SAWS, residents can expect widespread showers and thunder showers across the province, persisting until Tuesday morning.

Rainfall accumulation in excess of 150mm is expected within a 24-hour period along the coast and adjacent interior on Monday, with severe impacts.

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“The coastal areas are more prone to flooding and mudslides, which can result in prolonged disruption of essential services and displacement of affected communities,” said the SAWS.

The weather service warns of the following potential impacts:

• Widespread flooding of roads, settlements and bridges

• Danger to life as a result of fast-flowing streams and deep water

• Damage to infrastructure and displacement of affected communities

• Widespread damage to mud-based houses

• Flooding and closure of major roads is possible, as well as difficult driving conditions

“If possible, stay indoors and off the roads; avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles; if trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon it and climb to higher ground; in buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the flood line; in rural areas, protect or relocate livestock to higher ground; take caution when travelling, or avoid travelling, as roads may be flooded, with potholes filled with water,” concluded the weather service.

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