News24 | KZN floods: Residents in low-lying areas face evacuation amid heavy rains
The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs says residents in low-lying areas must expect to be evacuated in case rivers overflow.
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The KwaZulu-Natal government has issued a weather warning amid expected torrential rains in parts of the province.The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs says residents in low-lying areas must expect to be evacuated in case rivers overflow. So far, torrential rains in the province have led to the deaths of 40 people. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs says people living in low-lying areas and on riverbanks must expect to be evacuated in case of flooding amid another weather warning on Monday.
The department issued a warning for disruptive rains in parts of the province, with the downpour expected to last until midnight.
Affected areas include the Alfred Duma, Ladysmith, eMadlangeni, Endumeni, eThekwini, Greater Kokstad, Impendle, Inge, Inkosi Langalibalele, Escourt, Sobabili, KwaDukuza, and Maphumulo local municipalities.
“The forecast predicts that scattered to widespread showers and thundershowers are expected over KZN today [Monday].
“The models indicate significant amounts of rainfall of more than 50mm over the western and southern parts of the province, which may lead to flooding as well as localised impacts,” the department said on Monday.
READ | KZN killer floods: Family reeling with pain after 7 members swept to their deaths
It cautioned residents in affected municipalities against crossing swollen rivers, water-filled sinkholes and potholes when travelling.
“In rural areas, residents living on riverbanks should be prepared to evacuate to higher ground if necessary, as rivers may overflow.
“The department has activated disaster management teams in all affected municipalities, ensuring they remain on high alert during this period,” it said.
On Saturday, the department said the persistent torrential rains in the province had accounted for the deaths of 40 people and injured 74.
The rains also left 47 people homeless and affected more than 4 000.
The deaths include two farmworkers who were struck by lightning in Bergville.
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Department spokesperson Nonala Ndlovu said: “These numbers have increased as our teams continue with assessment while the inclement weather persists in various parts of the province.
“In recent incidents, three drownings were reported in the Harry Gwala District, while two farmworkers were struck by lightning in Bergville.
“We would also like to confirm two bodies have been recovered by search and rescue teams in Ladysmith.
“However, their identities are pending confirmation through DNA, if it matches those who were reported missing,” Ndlovu added.
