KZN Residents Urged to Stay Safe as Floods Forecast Amidst Level 9 Weather Warning

Disaster teams in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, are on high alert after the SA Weather Service (SAWS) issued an Orange Level 9 Weather Warning for the KZN coastal areas, and level 5 for those inland.

The KZN Provincial Government said: “KZN disaster teams are on high alert following the warning that was issued by the Weather Service, which indicates that large parts of KZN can expect disruptive rainfall, which brings the probability of widespread flooding on Thursday and Friday, January 5 and 6.”

KZN Cogta said “residents are urged to heed this warning.”

eThekwini Municipality has issued safety tips (please see below) and said: “Residents are urged to adhere to the following safety tips.” Residents are also asked to please pass this information on to anybody who may not be on social media.

The province is still recovering from flooding in the first half of 2022.

The Weather Service has warned that “more than 50mm of rainfall is expected, which may lead to flooding of roads and settlements, displacement of communities, and danger to life as a result of fast flowing deep water”.

Officials say the impact could “spell disaster for communities living low-lying areas”, and reassured the public that the “provincial Disaster Management Centre has activated the Joint Operations Committee, which will meet daily with all disaster management teams from municipalities to take stock of the situation”.

KZN COGTA MEC Sihle Zikalala spoke about the latest developments on SABC News on Thursday afternoon. He urged residents not to travel and said “parents must be vigilant and guard children so that they do not swim in rivers or go near large bodies of water. The province of KZN has not fully recovered from the floods that took place last year. Residents are urged to heed these warnings and to not take unnecessary risks.”

Safety Tips from eThekwini Municipality for Residents during Flooding:

• People living in low-lying areas must take special care during storms, as sudden floods may affect them.
• They should monitor the rising water levels and evacuate the areas to a safer place or higher spot when the water level rises.
• Do not cross through flooded roads or bridges – use alternative safer routes.
• Avoid crossing low-lying bridges, steams and rivers.
• Never try to walk, swim or drive in swift-flowing water. Even if the water is 15cm deep, it can sweep you off your feet.
• Motorists must be very careful and avoid driving through flooded areas.
• Drive to and park in safer areas.
• The public must monitor weather alerts on radio and television.

In the event of an emergency, please contact your ward councillor or the Municipal Disaster Management Centre: 031 361 0000.

The Level 9 warning is particularly for residents in these areas: eThekwini, iLlembe, uMgungundlovu, King Cetshwayo and uMkhanyakude.

The Level 5 warning is for residents in the following regions: uThukela, uMzinyathi, Zululand, Harry Gwala, Amajuba, Ugu and parts of uMgungundlovu.