More than 200mm of rain expected in parts of SA

Wet day! More than 200mm of rainfall is expected to fall today in parts of South Africa. Here are the details…

By: Corné van Zyl

More than 200mm of rainfall is expected in several parts of South Africa on Thursday, 5 January.

eThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda has instructed all disaster management teams and emergency personnel to stand by as heavy rains are anticipated for most parts of the city. 

“According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), more than 200mm of rainfall is expected at eThekwini alone.”

Kaunda urged residents in low-lying areas to be cautious as localised flooding is expected.

He is also calling upon members of the public planning to travel to postpone their journeys until it is safe to travel. 

Disaster management teams and personnel are on high alert as heavy rains and floods are anticipated TODAY in KwaZulu-Natal. 

A level 9 warning for THUNDERSTORMS and floods was issued for these parts of South Africa. 

ALSO READ: Orange LEVEL 9 weather alert issued for KZN this week

SAVE THESE EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

• KZN Emergency Medical Service – 10177
• eThekkwini Fire and Emergency Services – 031 361 0000
• St. Johns Ambulance – 031 305 6588
• Netcare – 082 911
• Fire and Disaster Management – 031 361 000
• Stormwater, Burst Mains, Water Pollution, and sewer faults – 080 131 3013
• Mountain Rescue – 080 000 5133
• Sea Rescue – 031 361 8667
• Nettow – 083 700 6854

THE LEVEL 9 WARNING IS IN PLACE FROM MIDDAY UNTIL MIDNIGHT

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) said widespread flooding of roads, settlements, and bridges is possible. 

“Some of the impacts include danger to life due to fast-flowing deep water, widespread displacement of communities, widespread and prolonged damaged disruption to essential service (Water, electricity, and communication systems).” 

‘STAY INDOORS AND OFF THE ROADS’

It advised the public to stay indoors and off the roads and avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above their ankles. 

“If trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon it and climb to higher ground. In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level.” 

THESE AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE LEVEL 9 WARNING

The following areas will be affected by the Level 9 weather warning for Disruptive Rain: 

• Umhlabuyalingana / Mbazwana
• Big Five Hlabisa – Hluhluwe / Hluhluwe
• Mtubatuba / Riverview
• uMhlathuze / Richards Bay / Kwa Mbonambi
• uMlalazi / Eshowe
• KwaDukuza / KwaDukusa/Stanger
• Ndwedwe
• Mkhambathini / Camperdown
• uMshwathi / New Hanover
• Ethekwini / King Shaka Airport

A LEVEL 5 WEATHER WARNING FOR DISRUPTIVE RAIN

A level 5 weather warning was also issued for the following areas in South Africa: 

• Bushbuckridge
• Thaba Chweu / Sabie
• Mbombela – Sabie / Whiteriver / Mbombela
• Nkomazi / Skukuza
• eDumbe / Paulpietersburg
• Dannhauser
• Alfred Duma – Ladysmith / Ladysmith
• Nquthu / Nqutu
• Ulundi
• Okhahlamba / Royal National Park
• Mpofana – Mooi River / Mooi River
• Alfred Duma – Indaka / Ekuvukeni
• Mpofana – Mooi River / Mooi River
• Ingwe / Donnybrook
• Matatiele
• Mhlontlo / Tsolo
• Sakhisizwe / Elliot
• Intsika Yethu / Cofimvaba

MEANWHILE, A LEVEL 2 WARNING WAS ISSUED FOR THESE AREAS IN SOUTH AFRICA

• Greater Giyani / Giyani
• Ba-Phalaborwa
• Greater Letaba / Mooketsi
• Greater Tzaneen / Tzaneen
• Polokwane
• Mogalakwena / Mokopane
• Lephalale
• Thabazimbi
• Bela-Bela
• Modimolle/Mookgopong – Mookgopong / Mookgopong
• Ephraim Mogale / Marble Hall
• Emakhazeni / Machadodorp
• Msukaligwa / Ermelo
• Lekwa / Standerton
• Phumelela / Warden
• Mafube / Mafube/Frankfort
• Phumelela / Warden
• Nketoana / Reitz
• Dihlabeng / Bohlokong
• Maluti a Phofung / Van Reenen
• Dihlabeng / Bohlokong
• Senqu / Barkly East
• Intsika Yethu / Cofimvaba
• Emalahleni / Lady Frere

The SAWS advised the public to take necessary precautions to secure their properties.

“Localised damage to mud-based houses or structures is possible.” 

If you have any pictures or video of the rainfall, send an email to info@thesouthafrican.com or a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.

You can also follow @TheSAnews on Twitter and The South African on Facebook for the latest weather reports.