The KZN Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has assured residents that its provincial Disaster Management Centre is closely monitoring persistent rainfall in the northern parts of the province, particularly in the Zululand and uMkhanyakude districts.

This follows the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issuing a Level 2 warning for disruptive rains for Saturday (today), with heavy rainfall expected to continue into Sunday.

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According to the Richards Bay Clean Air Association’s (RBCAA) Sandy Camminga, over the past 24 hours in Richards Bay CBD and Meerensee, 81.6mm and 57mm of rainfall were recorded, respectively.

Meanwhile, KZN Cogta MEC, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, said these conditions could lead to localised flooding, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas.

“Already, certain parts of Umhlabuyalingana, Nongoma and sections of Jozini are under pressure, with rising water levels affecting low-lying roads and bridges,” said Buthelezi.

He has urged communities in these areas to refrain from attempting to cross flooded roads or overflowing bridges, as doing so places lives at risk.

While KZN has so far been spared the worst of the severe weather impacting the northern parts of the country, MEC Buthelezi has conveyed his condolences to families in neighbouring provinces who have lost loved ones due to the adverse weather conditions.

“As government, we remain committed to ensuring that our province navigates these difficult weather conditions with minimal disruption and loss. We call on all residents to play their part by avoiding large bodies of water, observing safety alerts, and following the guidance of local authorities,” said Buthelezi.

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