Rainfall of up to 89mm has already been recorded in Margate, KwaZulu-Natal. The SA weather service has forecasted heavy rains from Tuesday.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has urged residents to postpone non-essential travel until the inclement weather subsides as heavy rains persist in the province.
This comes as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has reportedly forecasted heavy rains which have already battered parts of the province.
HEAVY RAINS EXPECTED IN KWAZULU-NATAL
According to KZN COGTA, the Ugu District Municipality, encompassing Ray Nkonyeni, Umuziwabantu, Umdoni, and Umzumbe Local Municipalities, have been placed on orange level 6 alert, the second highest warning level.
The heavy rains are anticipated to persist from Tuesday, 27 June through Wednesday morning.
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KZN COGTA spokesperson Siboniso Mngadi said Margate and Port Edward have already reported rainfall measurements of 89mm and 49mm respectively since Monday, 26 June. However, weather models indicate that additional rainfall is expected over the Ugu District Municipality, gradually subsiding early Wednesday.
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POSSIBLE IMPACTS
Mngadi said it is important to acknowledge the potential risks associated with these heavy rains.
Flooding of roads, bridges, and settlements, both formal and informal, is highly likely. The fast-flowing streams and deep waters pose a significant threat to life. Moreover, the flooding may cause major disruptions to traffic flow, impacting essential services such as water, electricity, and communication. Additionally, there is a risk of damage to mud-based houses in the affected areas.
“The department has activated all disaster management services in the affected areas. The teams stand ready to respond promptly and effectively wherever necessary. We strongly advise residents to closely monitor water levels and relocate to higher ground to avoid any potential disasters. Should residents experience any difficulties, they are urged to contact their local leadership,” he said.
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