Severe weather warning for Thursday in KwaZulu-Natal, disaster teams on high alert
KZN Cogta MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi surveying storm damage in the uMshwathi Local Municipality in the KZN Midlands. A severe weather warning has been issued for Thursday for several parts of the province.
Image: KZN Cogta / Facebook
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has said provincial Disaster Management teams will be on high alert on Thursday following a severe Level 4 weather warning issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS).
The Cogta department said the warning for Thursday, November 27, is specifically targeted at the districts of Umgungundlovu, Ugu, Harry Gwala, Amajuba, and eThekwini.
Specific areas to be affected: Alfred Duma - Indaka, Alfred Duma - Ladysmith, Dannhauser, Dr N. Dlamini-Zuma - Underberg, eMadlangeni, Endumeni, Ethekwini, Greater Kokstad, Impendle, Ingwe, Inkosi Langalibalele Escourt, Inkosi Langalibalele Sobabili, Mkhambathini, Mpofana Giants Castle, Mpofana Mooi River, Msinga, Ndwedwe, Newcastle, Okhahlamba, Ray Nkonyeni, Richmond, The Msunduzi, Ubuhlebezwe, Umdoni, uMngeni, uMshwathi, UMuziwabantu, Umvoti, Umzimkhulu.
The weather warning comes after one person died and two remain missing in a severe storm in uMshwathi Local Municipality in the KZN Midlands on Sunday.
While the body of one woman was recovered, search and rescue teams are still trying to locate the bodies of two people that were swept away during Sunday's storm.
Cogta said in a statement that this new Level 4 warning highlights the potential for severe thunderstorms which could lead to widespread localised flooding in low-lying areas.
“Forecasters predict that the impending conditions could result in the flooding of major roads and bridges, posing a significant threat to infrastructure and public safety. Residents should also prepare for the possibility of hail and strong, damaging winds.”
MEC Buthelezi confirmed that all disaster teams across the affected districts have been activated to ensure a speedy and coordinated response to any incidents.
“Our teams are mobilised, and we are working closely with all affected Municipalities. The recent devastation in areas like uMshwathi is a stark reminder of the power of these weather systems. We urge every resident to take this warning seriously and comply with safety instructions,” said MEC Buthelezi.
Giving an update on the situation in New Hanover, uMshwathi, Buthelezi said 465 individuals from 108 households have been affected. A total of 117 houses were destroyed (50 partially damaged and 67 totally destroyed), leaving 79 people homeless.
The MEC commended the swift and coordinated response from various government departments and social partners, including the Red Cross, Themba Njilo Foundation, Al Imdaad Foundation and Gift of the Givers who had been instrumental in the roll-out of support to affected families.