Disaster Management teams across KZN are continuing to closely monitor the wintry weather conditions bringing snow to areas along the Drakensberg and heavy rainfall across the northern parts of the province.
Since Monday, 31 May 2021, Disaster Management teams have responded to incidents in Nquthu where five houses collapsed due to the heavy snow in the area. In addition, specialised graders had to be used to clear snow-blocked roads between Underberg and Kokstad.
According to Snow Report SA on 3 June 2021, a large amount of snow fell across the Eastern Cape, Lesotho and the Drakensberg this week. It further stated the last snow is expected in the southeast of Lesotho today, 3 June 2021. However Snow Report SA notes with the heavy snowfall in this area, the snow may stick around the peaks for a few days.
The weather service also noted light snow may be possible for the high-ground around Barkly East, Rhodes and Tiffindell in the Eastern Cape, as well as in the high ground around Bethlem, Warden, Reitz and Harrismith in the Free State.
Moreover, Snow Report SA also claimed the high ground around Newcastle in KZN, as well as Volksrust in Mpumalanga, might also get some light snow. Thus far, snow has fallen in Nquthu, with residents taking to social media and sharing their images.
Promoting safety, especially with the current weather conditions, the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka has assured residents of KZN that disaster management teams continue to be on high alert in anticipation of heavy rains that are expected in areas along the coast of the province today, 3 June 2021.
KZN Cogta explains, “According to the latest advisory received by the department from the South African Weather Service, heavy rains can be expected in the Ugu, Ilembe, Ethekwini, Umgungundlovu, King Cetshwayo, and the Harry Gwala District.”
The Weather Service adds, “The impact of the Disruptive rainfall is expected to result in flooding of roads and settlements (Formal and informal), Danger to life (fast-flowing streams/deep waters), Major Disruption of traffic flow due to major roads being flooded (N2) and possible damage to roads and bridges, and Disruption to essential services (Water, electricity, communication, schools, etc).”
MEC Hlomuka has warned Newcastillians residing in these areas to exercise extreme caution. With weather conditions deteriorating, be sure to practice safety and stay warm.
Such is his message, on Thursday morning, 3 June 2021, Hlomuka, together with the MEC for Public works and Human Settlements Jomo Sibiya, visited the Abaqulusi Local Municipality, where they officially launched the Winter Season Disaster Awareness Campaign.
The launch kicked off in the rural village of eZibomvini, where MEC’s oversaw the installation of lightning conductors in homes throughout the community. The MEC’s also handed over a newly built borehole to the people of eZibomvini. According to KZN Cogta, the launch of the campaign takes place at a time when the province continues to face serious risks as a result of extreme weather conditions, with the Zululand District being one of the most vulnerable.
The launch also focused on raising awareness of the dangers posed by inclement weather conditions. For example, recently, the Abaqulusi Municipality experienced unfortunate incidents where people lost their lives due to lightning strikes, structural collapses caused by heavy rains and drownings.
Share your thoughts with us and if you have pictures of snow in your area, send them through to us at info@newcastillian.com
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