South African Weather Services (SAWS) issued a stern warning regarding severe thunderstorms on Sunday, November 10, in KwaZulu-Natal.
Following the warning, MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka said disaster management teams in KwaZulu-Natal were placed on high alert.
He says teams are on high alert following the SAWS indicating there was a possibility of flooding in large parts of KZN, resulting from the severe thunderstorms.
Recently, four people lost their lives to a lightning strike in Mkhuze, Northern KwaZulu-Natal. Following their deaths and the ensuing storm on Sunday, Hlomuka emphasises the importance of taking the warning SAWS seriously.
Hlomuka reminds people that the weather still poses a danger to communities and encourages KZN residents to remain cautious in bad weather.
Currently, the disaster management teams are on standby in areas which are known to suffer from regular flooding. With the teams monitoring the situation, Hlomuka says Cogta is confident the teams will be able to offer support where and if necessary.
With lightning strikes and flooding claiming the scores of lives, Hlomuka says Cogta is calling on pedestrians to avoid using walkways or bridges prone to flooding. He also reminds individuals with livestock to seek shelter at the slightest indication of lightning,” said Hlomuka.
With SAWS expecting further rainfall and thunderstorms, Newcastillians are encouraged to practice caution.
