Mkhuze, 5 January 2024 – The MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) in KwaZulu-Natal, Rev Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has placed disaster management teams on high alert following the weather warning received from the South African Weather Service (SAWS). The warning predicts disruptive rainfall for large parts of the province starting from tomorrow, Monday, 6 January 2025, to Wednesday, 8 January 2025.

The inclement weather conditions are expected to cause the overflowing of low-water bridges, localised flooding, and potentially disrupt major routes across the province of KZN during a time when holidaymakers will be travelling back. Additional impacts include:

• Flooding of settlements, roads, and bridges.
• Damage to property and infrastructure, including mud-based houses.
• Poor driving conditions and major disruption of traffic flow due to road and bridge closures.

The following areas are expected to be affected: Big Five Hlabisa Hlabisa, Big Five Hlabisa Hluhluwe, Ethekwini, Jozini, KwaDukuza, Mandeni, Maphumulo, Mkhambathini, Mthonjaneni, Ndwedwe, Nongoma, Ray Nkonyeni, Umdoni, Umhlabuyalingana, uMhlathuze, uMlalazi, Umzumbe, uPhongolo.

Residents across the province are urged to take heed of the severe weather warning and to take all necessary safety precautions.

This morning, the Provincial Disaster Management Centre convened the Joint Operations Committee, (JOC) with key stakeholders, including SANRAL, SAPS, Disaster Management Practitioners at municipal level, social partners, and line function departments such as EDTEA, Social Development, Transport, and Agriculture, where all stakeholders indicated their state of readiness to deal with any eventuality that might arise from the inclement weather conditions.

Across all the province’s districts, disaster management teams have been assigned to monitor areas that are prone to weather-related incidents.

Advice for Residents:

• Avoid crossing flooded roads or swollen streams.
• Move to higher ground if rising water levels are observed.
• Refrain from travelling on bridges or roads in low-lying areas, which are particularly vulnerable to flooding.
• Ensure vehicle headlights are on and drive at a reasonably low speed during showery conditions.
• Keep windscreens clear to maintain visibility.

For continuous updates, residents are encouraged to monitor weather warnings and updates from reliable sources.

Issued by: The KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

• Senzelwe Mzila 082 474 1882