Disaster management teams across KwaZulu-Natal have been placed on high alert as a Level 5 weather warning is set to affect parts of the province, particularly the north-east. The South African Weather Service (Saws) has issued a Level 4 warning for disruptive rain in north-eastern KZN for Saturday, escalating to a Level 5 warning on Sunday. Heavy rainfall exceeding 100mm is expected in some areas, raising concerns about flooding and infrastructure damage.
In response, the KZN Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) has activated heightened disaster readiness measures, including the establishment of a Joint Operations Centre (JOC) to coordinate emergency responses. MEC for Cogta, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, said the province is at the peak of its summer rainfall season, with catchment areas already under pressure. “We are currently at the peak of our rainy season, and our catchments are already under pressure.
The establishment of the JOC is a proactive measure to ensure that we are not just reacting to the weather, but stay ahead of it,” said Buthelezi. “I have placed our disaster management teams on high alert, and they are already conducting close-range monitoring of areas historically prone to flooding and infrastructure damage.” The JOC brings together provincial disaster management teams, emergency services, Eskom, Sanral and municipal disaster management officials to ensure a coordinated response to any incidents. According to Cogta, the Provincial Disaster Management Centre is co-ordinating preparedness across all districts, with particular focus on north-eastern municipalities including Abaqulusi, Jozini, Mtubatuba, Big Five Hlabisa, Nongoma, uMhlathuze and uPhongolo.
Read Full Article on The Witness
[paywall]
Bridges, low-lying crossings and informal settlements near rivers are being closely monitored, while rescue equipment and personnel have been pre-positioned to allow for rapid response. Residents have been urged to take the Level 5 warning seriously, as it carries a high risk of life-threatening flooding and mudslides.
[/paywall]
