Disaster management teams have been placed on high alert, as a Level 4 Impact Based Warning has been issued by the South African Weather Service.
As explained by the KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (KZNCoGTA), the warning, which was issued on Tuesday night, 22 April 2025, is valid from Wednesday morning, 23 April 2025 until Thursday night, 24 April 2025.
The affected areas, as indicated by the South African Weather Service, include:
- Newcastle
- Ladysmith
- Indaka
- Estcourt
- Utrecht
- Dannhauser
- eDumbe
- Emthonjeni
- Ethekwini
- Impendle
- Maphumulo
- Mpofana, Msinga
- Mthonjaneni
- Mtshezi
- Ndwedwe
- Nkandla
- Nongoma
- Nquthu
- Ulundi
- uMhlathuze
- uMlalazi
- uMsinga
- uMvoti
- uPhongolo
- uThukela.
Furthermore, as stated by KZNCoGTA, persistent rainfall is anticipated, which may precipitate flooding of roads and settlements, as well as potential damage to infrastructure over parts of KZN during the course of Wednesday.
This follows SAWS’s indication that a cut-off low-pressure system is expected to be situated over the western interior from Wednesday, with a high-pressure system at the surface resulting in onshore flow in the east.
Reflecting on the above, MEC for KZN CoGTA, Reverend Buthelezi now calls upon all residents, especially those residing in the identified areas, to exercise extreme caution during this period. “We urge our communities to take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety. Avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles. If trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon it and climb to higher ground. In rural areas, please move livestock to safer, higher ground,” urged MEC Buthelezi.
The MEC further emphasised that disaster management teams across the province are on high alert and will be closely monitoring the weather conditions. These specialised teams are ready to respond swiftly to any emergencies that may arise.
Moreover, the Department has assured it will continue to provide updates as the situation unfolds. Therefore, residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and adhere to any safety instructions issued by authorities.
With potholed roads and persitent rains, it goes without saying that driving slowly and cautiously is a must. Your vehicle is not a boat nor is it special, thus speeding in the current wet weather greatly increases the probability of collisions.
What are your thoughts on the above? Share your views in the comment section below.
