By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Kwazulu-Natal (KZN) Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) has deployed disaster teams after a severe storm hit three municipalities on 26 December.
The storm, which struck around 16:00, brought heavy rain, hail, and gale-force winds, severely affecting the eMadlangeni, Dannhauser, and Newcastle municipalities.
KZN MEC Cogta Thulasizwe Buthelezi deployed rapid-response disaster management teams to the areas, who bore the brunt of the storm.
Buthelezi has directed the provincial disaster management centre (PDMC) to co-ordinate with social partners and local municipalities to provide immediate relief, including food parcels, blankets, and temporary shelter.
“Our teams are currently on the ground conducting mop-up operations and detailed assessments to ensure no family is left stranded. We are working around the clock with our social partners to restore dignity to those who have lost their homes today. Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured,” said Buthelezi.
Buthelezi has urged residents to exercise extreme caution, particularly by avoiding flooded roads and low-lying bridges, remaining indoors during lightning and strong winds, and to report any life-threatening incidents to local ward councillors or municipal disaster management units.
The South African Weather Service has indicated a heightened risk of severe thunderstorms over Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West and the Free State.
These storms are expected to be scattered to widespread, with rain chances sitting at around 60% in most of these regions, increasing to 80% in places where storms become more organised.
Heavy downpours may lead to localised flooding in low-lying and poorly drained areas, while excessive lightning and small hail remain a concern in populated centres.
The eastern parts of the country, including KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, can also expect a wet Saturday, with rain chances of about 60% along the coast and adjacent interior. Showers here are likely to be accompanied by gusty winds at times, especially along the coastline.
In contrast, much of the Northern Cape and parts of the Western Cape will remain largely dry, with minimal rainfall expected and rain chances below 30%.
While showers and thunderstorms will persist over the eastern interior, including Mpumalanga, Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal, they are expected to be more scattered, with rain chances generally around 30 to 60%.