By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has urged residents to exercise caution regarding heavy rainfall that could potentially lead to flooding in the coastal and midlands districts of the province.
A yellow level two warning for severe thunderstorms has been released for the western and central parts of the province.
An orange level six has been released for disruptive rain over the south-eastern parts of KZN.
And another yellow level 2-warning for disruptive rain which may lead to localised flooding has been released for the north-eastern parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
Forecaster Wisani Maluleke says there’s more heavy rain expected for Tuesday.
“The orange level 6 warning, now its moved to King Cetshwayo and UmkhanyaKude which is the north cost of KwaZulu-Natal, but then we also have a yellow level 2 for disruptive rain fall so this one will cover the Ugu region eThekwini, Ilembe region, and also part of Ugungundlovu – the eastern part of Umgungundlovu even parts of the Zululand area.”
Maluleke says the weather should start clearing up on Wednesday.
COGTA spokesperson, Siboniso Mngadi, said the department has convened an urgent meeting with the Joint Operation Cluster (JOC), which includes all municipalities that may be affected, and a disaster team to put in place proactive measures.
“Furthermore, all disaster management centres have been activated to monitor the weather pattern and risk, and respond to any unforeseen events. The JOC teams will assess the readiness status of all municipalities likely to be impacted,” Mngadi said.
Mngadi has advised residents in low-lying areas to relocate to safer areas, if necessary.
“We appeal to all residents to closely monitor the situation and take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of lives during this period of heavy rainfall. Livestock owners are urged to find secure locations and adhere to safety measures that will be communicated through disaster centres.”