KZN: Persistent and heavy rain to continue in upcoming months

The SA Weather Service (SAWS) has warned disaster management teams that KZN is likely to experience more rain in the coming months.

By: Nokwanda Ncwane

The province of KwaZulu-Natal is likely to experience more rain in the next three months as inclement weather conditions continue. 

This was revealed by the South African Weather Service (SAWS) while giving a weather forecast report to the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) in KwaZulu-Natal during a joint operations committee. 

ALSO READ: KZN Disaster teams on high alert due to heavy rainfall

KZN TO RECEIVE MORE RAIN IN COMING MONTHS

Torrential rains have been pouring in parts of KwaZulu-Natal as inclement weather conditions continue. 

According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), the rainy weather will subside on from Tuesday, 13 December to Thursday, 15 December however predictions are that the heavy rains will return over the weekend.  

KZN COGTA spokesperson, Senzelwe Mzila said a caution was given that during the next three months the province is likely to receive more rain and disaster management teams were urged to remain on high alert to prevent fatalities.

INCIDENTS REPORTED SO FAR

According to the department, a few incidents were reported from different District Municipalities, but no fatalities were reported. The following is a breakdown of reported incidents:

• Ten houses in different wards under Umngeni Local Municipality were partially damaged.  The affected households are to be assisted by the Umngeni Local Municipality, with plastic sheeting, mattresses and blankets.
• Four households in Oshabeni area in Ugu Districts were affected by the rain, assessments were being done and the relief will be dispatched thereafter.
• One lightning incident was reported in Nquthu and another one in Emadlangeni municipality.
• Ten households in Ndwedwe municipality have been affected by the rain, assessments are being conducted and relief will be provided as soon as the needs have been ascertained.
• Midmar and Henley Dams in Msunduzi Local Municipality are reported to be overflowing and there is a potential risk to households downstream.  The municipality was urged to immediately alert the households that may be vulnerable and to activate evacuation procedures where necessary.
• A mudslide was reported at La Mercy under eThekwini metropolitan municipality where 30 to 40 houses were affected or flooded.

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)has reportedly confirmed that they are ready to assist with food vouchers as soon as they are furnished with the lists of households in need.

The South African Red Cross Society and the Al-Imdaad foundation also indicated that they remain ready to assist if called upon to do so.

The Department of Economic Development Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) indicated that they are also ready to assist businesses and tourism establishments in distress from the rain and appealed to municipalities to indicate if such a need arises.