Fears of more devastating floods

Red alert level 10 weather warning until 11pm tonight

DISASTER management teams were placed on high alert as another bout of heavy rain was forecast for Kwazulu-natal.

This comes as the province was in the midst of rebuilding after the past month’s devastating floods in which 435 people died and many were still unaccounted for.

The SA Weather Service (SAWS) yesterday issued a red alert level 10 weather warning until 11pm tonight, highlighting the severity of the rainfall.

According to SAWS, the cut-off low system was still causing widespread rainfall in the east last night – especially along the KZN coast

“Another cold and showery day is expected in the east today.”

Widespread flooding of roads and settlements, and the displacement of communities along the coast and northeast parts of the province was predicted.

Durban metro police spokesperson, Parboo Sewpersad said they attended to more than 30 accidents on the roads.

Sewpersad said there was already flooding on some roads, but none were blocked or closed at the time of going to print.

“All our disaster teams, together with other organisations have been activated and we are continuing to monitor the roads,” he said.

Kwazulu Private Ambulance spokesperson Craig Botha said a high number of road accidents were reported on the South Coast.

The provincial Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional

Affairs (Cogta) placed disaster management teams across the province on alert, following the inclement weather conditions.

KZN Cogta MEC Sipho Hlomuka

appealed to communities to follow all the necessary precautions.

“Residents residing in low-lying areas, or areas that are close to rivers; please seek shelter on higher ground or seek shelter at local community halls and evacuate structures that could be compromised by the heavy rains,” said Hlomuka.

He advised residents not to try crossing bridges or rivers that were flooded.

Residents have been warned to stay indoors if possible, and off the roads.

“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 buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level. In rural areas, move livestock to higher ground.”

Heavy rain was expected in ethekwini, Kwadukuza, Mandeni, Maphumulo, Mtubatuba, Ndwedwe, Ray Nkonyeni, Umdoni, umhlathuze, umlalazi and Umzumbe.

Abaqulusi, Alfred Duma – Indaka, Alfred Duma – Ladysmith, Big Five Hlabisa – Hlabisa, Big Five Hlabisa – Hluhluwe, Dannhauser, edumbe, emadlangeni, Endumeni, Jozini, Mkhambathini, Msinga, Mthonjaneni, Newcastle, Nkandla, Nongoma, Nquthu, Richmond, The Msunduzi, Ubuhlebezwe, Ulundi, Umhlabuyalingana, umshwathi, Umuziwabantu, Umvoti, Umzimkhulu and uphongolo were also placed on alert.

Earlier this week, Deputy Minister for Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Makhotso Sotyu, speaking in her address during the budget vote plenary in the National Assembly, said early warnings by SAWS were important for communities and structures of the government because they ensured that there was liaison with disaster management authorities.

“This in turn ensures that public and disaster response units are mobilised on time, and influences government action all the way down to municipal and individual level,” said Sotyu.

The weather in Durban was expected to clear by Tuesday.

There was a 30% probability of rain tomorrow.