KwaZulu-Natal authorities have deployed disaster management teams across the province ahead of severe weather conditions forecast from Saturday through Monday.
The South African Weather Service has warned of heavy rainfall, severe thunderstorms, strong winds, and possible flooding as a cut-off low-pressure system moves across central and eastern parts of the country.
KZN Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs spokesperson Senzo Mzila says MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi has placed all disaster units on high alert.
“Cut-off low-pressure systems have historically caused devastating impacts in the province. In April 2022, similar conditions led to catastrophic flooding that claimed over 400 lives and caused billions of rands in infrastructure damage,” Mzila said. He added that past events have destroyed homes, roads, and essential services underscoring the seriousness of the latest warning.
Key departments and agencies, including the provincial Transport Department, Social Development, the Road Traffic Inspectorate, municipal traffic services, SANRAL, and Eskom, are all on standby and working closely with the Provincial Disaster Management Centre. Plans are in place to respond to possible emergencies such as power outages, damaged infrastructure, and road closures.
MEC Buthelezi has urged residents to avoid travelling during the expected severe conditions.