News24 | Storm Alert: KZN braces for heavy rainfall, flooding

File photo. What remained of houses in Phoenix, Durban, after floods wreaked havoc in KwaZulu-Natal in 2022.

• The KwaZulu-Natal government called for an urgent meeting on Sunday for proactive measures.
• The SA Weather Service (SAWS) raised the alert level for the province to orange, level 6.
• The SAWS warned of flooding that may cause damage to roads, bridges, and formal and informal settlements.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) on Sunday called an urgent meeting to put measures in place after the SA Weather Service issued a level 6 weather warning for the province.

Spokesperson Siboniso Mngadi said the department convened a meeting with the Joint Operation Cluster of all municipalities that might be affected.

"Furthermore, all disaster management centres have been activated to monitor the weather pattern and risk and respond to any unforeseen events.

"The JOC teams will assess the readiness status of all municipalities likely to be impacted," Mngadi said.

This comes after the Weather Service on Sunday afternoon raised the alert level to orange, level 6.

The SAWS warned of flooding that may cause damage to roads, bridges, and formal and informal settlements.

The anticipated rainfall is expected to persist from Monday afternoon until midnight. It could result in damage within the municipalities of eThekwini, Ugu, Harry Gwala, iLembe, and uMgungundlovu.

Mngadi called on residents in low-lying areas to relocate to safer areas if necessary.

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"We appeal to all residents to closely monitor the situation and take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of lives during this period of heavy rainfall.

"Livestock owners are urged to find secure locations and adhere to safety measures that will be communicated through disaster centres."