KZN floods: Emergency contact numbers you should have! Photos: Stock/Canva

KZN possible floods: Emergency contact numbers you should have!

Heavy rain is expected to wreak havoc in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday. Here are all the emergency contact numbers you should have.

by Corné van Zyl

05-01-2023 10:06

in News

KZN floods: Emergency contact numbers you should have! Photos: Stock/Canva

Disaster management teams and personnel are on high alert as heavy rains and floods are anticipated TODAY in KwaZulu-Natal.

DISASTER TEAMS ARE ON HIGH ALERT IN KZN

A level 9 warning for THUNDERSTORMS and floods was issued for these parts of South Africa.

EThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda has instructed all disaster management teams and emergency personnel to stand by as heavy rains are anticipated for most parts of the city.

“According to the South African Weather Service ( SAWS), more than 200 mm of rainfall is expected at eThekwini alone.”

Kaunda urged residents in low-lying areas to be cautious as localised flooding is expected.

He is also calling upon members of the public planning to travel to postpone their journeys until it is safe to travel.

SAVE THESE EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

KZN Emergency Medical Service – 10177
eThekkwini Fire and Emergency Services – 031 361 0000
St. Johns Ambulance – 031 305 6588
Netcare – 082 911
Fire and Disaster Management – 031 361 000
Stormwater, Burst Mains, Water Pollution, and sewer faults – 080 131 3013
Mountain Rescue – 080 000 5133
Sea Rescue – 031 361 8667
Nettow – 083 700 6854

THE LEVEL 9 WARNING IS IN PLACE FROM MIDDAY UNTIL MIDNIGHT

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) said widespread flooding of roads, settlements, and bridges is possible.

“Some of the impacts include danger to life due to fast-flowing deep water, widespread displacement of communities, widespread and prolonged damaged disruption to essential service (Water, electricity, and communication systems).”

‘STAY INDOORS AND OFF THE ROADS’

It advised the public to stay indoors and off the roads and avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above their 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 expected flood level.”

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THESE AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE LEVEL 9 WARNING

The following areas will be affected by the Level 9 weather warning for Disruptive Rain:

Umhlabuyalingana / Mbazwana
Big Five Hlabisa – Hluhluwe / Hluhluwe
Mtubatuba / Riverview
uMhlathuze / Richards Bay / Kwa Mbonambi
uMlalazi / Eshowe
KwaDukuza / KwaDukusa/Stanger
Ndwedwe
Mkhambathini / Camperdown
uMshwathi / New Hanover
Ethekwini / King Shaka Airport

KZN possible floods: Emergency contact numbers you should have!

A LEVEL 5 WEATHER WARNING FOR DISRUPTIVE RAIN

A level 5 weather warning was also issued for the following areas:

Bushbuckridge
Thaba Chweu / Sabie
Mbombela – Sabie / Whiteriver / Mbombela
Nkomazi / Skukuza
eDumbe / Paulpietersburg
Dannhauser
Alfred Duma – Ladysmith / Ladysmith
Nquthu / Nqutu
Ulundi
Okhahlamba / Royal National Park
Mpofana – Mooi River / Mooi River
Alfred Duma – Indaka / Ekuvukeni
Mpofana – Mooi River / Mooi River
Ingwe / Donnybrook
Matatiele
Mhlontlo / Tsolo
Sakhisizwe / Elliot
Intsika Yethu / Cofimvaba

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“If trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon it and climb to higher ground. Move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level in buildings. In rural areas, protect/relocate animals to a safe place on higher ground.

“Take caution when traveling or avoid traveling as roads may be flooded, with potholes being filled with water, and there may be sinkholes.”
SAWS

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