A driver had to abandon his car due to floods in KZN on Saturday. Photo: Facebook/RUSA
KZN residents living in the following areas should be ready to evacuate. The SANDF has been deployed to assist those affected.
A driver had to abandon his car due to floods in KZN on Saturday. Photo: Facebook/RUSA
KZN residents living in the following areas should be ready to evacuate as the province is experiencing torrential rains. Some areas are already in danger and flooding.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala said they have been responding and have evacuated 190 people from Tehuis to SJ Smith Hall.
He said more people are being evacuated from Othongathi Waterways with the help of SANDF.
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“We wish to sound warnings to all our communities, especially in the Southern part of Durban, the Durban Basin, which includes areas such as:
“We urge communities living near river banks to monitor the rivers and to immediately evacuate if they notice the river rising.
“We urge anyone in risk zones at the moment to evacuate. We make a call to all our councillors to be on the ground and to feed information on any areas that need an emergency response.”
Zikalala said they have also been warned about snowfalls and that the inclement weather will move towards the north coast from tomorrow (Sunday), affecting areas such as Richards Bay, Empangeni, and others.
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“We are monitoring the situation on the M7 and advise everyone to delay travelling on the roads at the moment.”
He said all disaster teams are on the ground, and we urge all of us to play our part as disaster management is everybody’s business.
“Fortunately, the Defence force SANDF is here and will be able to assist us. Road closures have been implemented, and we are urging citizens to take heed and make sure they are safe.
“If you reside in a flood-prone area and you are asked by Authorities to evacuate, please obey. We want you to be safe.”
Zikalala said all emergency systems are in place and ready to assist you once the need arises.
“You can contact the Disaster Operations Centre, by calling. 033 8973963 or 0664752308.
“Let’s work together to get through this terrible situation which is adding salt to an open wound. We have lost many lives. Let us save lives and get through this disaster alive.”
Earlier on Saturday, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) increased its disruptive rain warning for KZN to level 10.
Initially, there was a yellow level 4 rain warning which was also increased to an orange level 5. Switching from a yellow to an orange warning means that more damage to infrastructure is expected, and the potential for fatalities is rising, but red is more dangerous.
The current level 10 red warning is in place from Saturday, 21 May at 15:00 until Sunday, 22 May at 23:59.
The weather service said widespread showers and thundershowers are expected across KZN as a result of a cut-off low associated with a surface high.
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