The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) says strong winds and heavy rains damaged several homes, and disaster management teams in the Umgungundlovu district have been actively responding to incidents reported since Sunday night.
The Harry Gwala Regional Hospital (formerly Edendale Hospital) and the Aloe Ridge Social Housing Project are some of the key infrastructure affected.
INCLEMENT WEATHER EXPECTED TO PERSIST IN KWAZULU-NATAL
The department said teams are on the ground, and once all assessments are concluded, a clearer picture of the extent of the damage will emerge.
KZN Cogta spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila said severe weather conditions are expected to persist, with a level 4 weather warning for severe thunderstorms currently active across large parts of the province, particularly in the eThekwini Metro and the districts of uThukela, uMzinyathi, uMgungundlovu, Harry Gwala, Ugu, and iLembe.
These conditions will likely cause disruptions, including falling trees blocking major roads, power surges disrupting services, danger to life (both human and livestock) due to excessive lightning, and damage to structures from hail and wind.
On Sunday, 3 November, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a yellow level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms in the province.
The weather service said widespread showers and thunderstorms are expected over most parts of the province on Monday, but scattered to isolated in the north except the extreme north-eastern parts.
“Some of these thunderstorms may become severe over the southern parts of KwaZulu-Natal and may be accompanied by strong damaging winds, excessive lightning, large hail or large amounts of small and heavy downpours,” the weather service said.
RESIDENTS URGED TO FOLLOW SAFETY MEASURES
Meanwhile, KZN Cogta MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi has urged all residents to take the necessary precautions to stay safe during this period.
“Residents are advised to follow safety measures as these weather conditions pose significant risks to human life. Disaster Management Teams will continue to monitor the weather, especially in areas susceptible to weather-related incidents.”
DO YOU LIVE IN KWAZULU-NATAL? WERE YOU AFFECTED BY THE INCLEMENT WEATHER?
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