Urgent warning: KwaZulu-Natal residents face flooding risks from heavy rainfall
Authorities urge KwaZulu-Natal residents to remain vigilant as heavy rains threaten flooding, with officials stressing the importance of safety and preparedness.
Image: File Doctor Ngcobo/ Independent Newspapers
KWAZULU-NATAL Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi has issued a stark warning to residents in the northern part of the province, urging them to exercise extreme caution as persistent rainfall increases the risk of localised flooding.
This warning follows the South African Weather Service's issuance of a Level 2 alert for disruptive rainfall expected on Saturday, 17 January, with heavy downpours likely to persist into Sunday.
The provincial disaster management centre is actively monitoring conditions in the Zululand and Umkhanyakude Districts, where rising water levels have already begun to impact several communities.
Parts of Umhlabuyalingana, Nongoma, and sections of Jozini are currently under pressure, with low-lying roads and bridges becoming increasingly difficult to navigate. Buthelezi cautioned residents against attempting to cross flooded roads or overflowing bridges, stating that such actions pose serious risks to life.
While KwaZulu-Natal has, so far, avoided the worst of the severe weather affecting other parts of the country, the MEC extended condolences to families in neighbouring provinces who have suffered losses due to recent floods.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Disaster Management Centre remains on high alert and has activated response and mitigation measures in collaboration with other government departments and emergency services.
These measures aim to protect lives, support vulnerable communities, and ensure a rapid response should conditions worsen.
Buthelezi warned that weather conditions are expected to deteriorate further in the coming week. He urged residents living in floodplains and low-lying areas to consider relocating to higher ground as a precaution.
“As government, we remain committed to ensuring that our province navigates these difficult weather conditions with minimal disruption and loss,” he said, calling on residents to heed safety warnings, avoid large bodies of water, and follow guidance from local authorities.
He also appealed to parents, guardians, and educators to ensure that learners use safe and accessible routes when travelling to and from school during this period of unstable weather.
The department has committed to providing ongoing updates as the situation develops.
IOL previously reported that Thursday was a wet and disruptive day for large parts of the country, with widespread rainfall, severe thunderstorms, and a risk of flooding in several provinces.
The South African Weather Service has issued multiple impact-based warnings as a slow-moving system brings heavy downpours to the eastern and northeastern regions.
Limpopo remains a significant concern, where widespread and disruptive rain is anticipated, particularly in the eastern parts. Rainfall in this region is likely to be intense and persistent, increasing the risk of flooding in low-lying areas, damaging infrastructure, and potentially closing major roads and bridges. Rain chances in this area are high, ranging between 80% and 100%.
As the weather situation continues to evolve, residents are encouraged to stay informed and follow all safety advisories to ensure their safety during this challenging time.