Level 5 warning: More rain on the way for eThekwini and coastal areas

Level 5 warning: More rain on the way for eThekwini and coastal areas

A Level 5 warning of disruptive rains has been predicted for the eThekwini Metro, Umdoni, Umzumbe and Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipalities on Monday.

Provincial disaster teams in all the municipalities have been activated and communities are advised to seek shelter in safe places, including community halls which are open for those who need shelter.

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) has warned that teams may have to evacuate people should they foresee high risk of danger due to inclement weather, while motorists are strongly advised to avoid travelling during this period, as bridges may become flooded, posing a risk to life.

This comes as mop up operations get under way and disaster management teams continue to assess damage along the KZN South Coast, caused by Sunday’s nights downpours.

“According to the warning from the South African Weather Service (Saws) the heavy downpours may result into some areas receiving rainfall accumulation of more than 200mm over a 24 hour period which may lead to localised impact such as flooding of settlements and roads, damage to houses, displacement of communities over the extreme south-eastern (area) of the province on Monday,” said Cogta spokesperson, Siboniso Mngadi.

Mngadi said disaster teams have noted the flood damage that occurred in Margate town on Sunday that followed a severe thunderstorm. Businesses and public Infrastructure such as roads and houses have been severely damaged.

“No injuries or fatalities have been confirmed at this stage. Our teams are currently conducting assessment, updates will be communicated in due course,” he added.

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