More than 200mm of rainfall is expected TODAY in parts of South Africa. Send us your pictures – or video – of the weather in your region. Image: Screenshot from video.
Warning: Disruptive rain expected in THESE parts of KZN
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued various warnings for KwaZulu-Natal. Heavy rains are expected in these parts…
More than 200mm of rainfall is expected TODAY in parts of South Africa. Send us your pictures – or video – of the weather in your region. Image: Screenshot from video.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has warned residents residing in the northern part of the province, of disruptive rain that may result in flooding.
The warning comes as the South African Weather Services (SAWS) issued a weather warning, predicting disruptive rain and localised flooding in parts of uMkhanyakude and Cetshwayo district municipalities on Monday, 10 July.
DISRUPTIVE RAIN EXPECTED IN PARTS OF KZN
According to the weather service, communities in Big Five Hlabisa, Hluhluwe, Mtubatuba, Umhlabuyalingana District, uMhlathuze, and uMlalazi Local Municipality may be affected.
Scattered showers and thundershowers are expected over the east of KZN on Sunday and Monday, 11 July. Some areas around uMkhanyakude and King Cetshwayo are expected to receive significant amounts of rain tomorrow, potentially leading to localised flooding.
POSSIBLE IMPACTS
The torrential rains may cause flooding in vulnerable formal and informal settlements. Difficult driving conditions can be expected on dirt roads, and there may be minor motor vehicle accidents due to poor visibility and slippery roads. Furthermore, mud-based houses may be damaged in certain areas.
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DISASTER MANAGEMENT CENTRES ACTIVATED
KwaZulu-Natal COGTA spokesperson Siboniso Mngadi said they have activated all disaster management centres in the aforementioned municipalities, ready to respond to any eventuality that may arise as a result of heavy rains.
Mngadi said communities should avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where the water level is above ankle height.
“In rural areas, residents are encouraged to protect or relocate animals to higher ground. In buildings, it is recommended to move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level. Caution is advised while travelling on roads, as potholes may be filled with sinkholes,” he explained.
Families have also been urged to exercise extra caution when using fire gas, and paraffin stoves to prevent fire disasters. Those in informal settlements have also been urged not to leave fires unattended.
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