The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has increased the disruptive warning of disruptive rain from alert level 5 to level 10 which is the highest warning that Saws can issue. Disruptive rain has been issued throughout the weekend and there are disaster management teams on standby.
The current level 10 red warning has been put in place from Saturday 21 May at 15:00, until Sunday 22 May at 23:59. The weather service warned that thundershowers are expected across KwaZulu-Natal. “Some stations have recorded significant rainfall amounts and models indicate accumulations of more than 20mm in some places along the KZN coast.
“Considering the vulnerability of some of these areas after recent events, severe impacts can be expected over areas and north-eastern parts of KZN on Saturday and Sunday,” said Saws.
According to Saws the danger of widespread floods on the roads is quickly growing. It listed the following as possible impacts: “Danger to life due to fast flowing streams. Widespread displacement of affected communities. Widespread mudslides, rockfalls and soil erosion. Widespread damage to property, buildings and loss of livelihoods and livestock. Major roads and bridges damaged. Widespread, prolonged disruption to municipal services.”
Saws has urged people to stay indoors this weekend and off the roads. If you are trapped in your motor vehicle, they advise you abandon it and climb to higher ground. If you are in a building it is advised that you move your belongings to higher ground.
Sipho Hlomuka, the KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, has urged all the residents of KZN to be on high guard this weekend, fearing the worst from the forecast. “Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution following a weather advisory that indicates that a cut of low-pressure system could bring light snowfall, freezing temperatures, and severe thunderstorms in parts of the country, including KZN, from Thursday going onto the weekend.
Source: IOL, The South African, image from The South African
