South Africa is gearing up for a wet and wild weekend as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issues severe weather warnings across multiple provinces. KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is particularly in the firing line, with disaster management teams on high alert.
KZN on High Alert: Prepare for Heavy Rainfall and Flooding
KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has activated disaster teams following the SAWS warning. The province is bracing for heavy rainfall, severe thunderstorms, flooding, and strong winds from Saturday through Monday.
The concern stems from the potential devastation caused by cut-off low-pressure systems. A similar system in April 2022 led to catastrophic flooding that claimed over 400 lives and caused billions of rands in infrastructure damage. Authorities are determined to avoid a repeat of this tragedy.
Which Areas Will Be Affected?
While KZN faces the most immediate threat, other provinces are also warned to prepare for severe weather. The North West, Free State, the Eastern Cape, and Northern Cape will experience severe thunderstorms, damaging winds, large amounts of small hail, and excessive lightning from Saturday. These conditions are expected to spread to the eastern parts of Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo on Sunday.
What Precautions Should You Take?
The South African Weather Service urges the public to take necessary precautions. MEC Buthelezi has specifically advised residents in KZN to avoid travelling during the storm. Key departments and agencies, including the KZN Department of Transport, KZN Department of Social Development, Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), Municipal Traffic Services, SANRAL, and Eskom, are on standby to respond to emergencies such as road closures, power outages, and infrastructure damage.
Stay informed with live weather updates and heed warnings from local authorities to ensure your safety during this potentially dangerous weather event.
Disaster Teams Stand Ready
The MEC has confirmed that line function departments and key agencies are on standby, including: KZN Department of Transport, KZN Department of Social Development, Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), Municipal Traffic Services and state agencies such as SANRAL and Eskom. These entities are working closely with the Provincial Disaster Management Centre to ensure that plans are in place to respond to any emergencies, including road closures, power outages, and infrastructure damage.