KZN Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has urged communities to be vigilant and ensure that they take the necessary precautions when faced with inclement weather conditions.
This comes as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a yellow level 1 warning for severe thunderstorms which could cause flooding in parts of KZN.
WEATHER WARNING ISSUES FOR PARTS OF KZN
The weather warning indicates the possibility of severe thunderstorms in areas surrounding Vryheid, Nquthu, Newcastle, and Utrecht tomorrow, 7 September.
These inclement weather conditions could cause localised flooding in a number of communities.
In response to the warning, the KZN Cogta MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi has assured residents that the Provincial Disaster Management Centre is closely monitoring weather conditions across the province.
Parts of the province are already experiencing rainfall today, and Buthelezi has appealed for vigilance amongst motorists.
Motorists are urged to drive with caution, maintain safe following distances, and to switch on their headlights.
In response, disaster management teams across the affected areas have been placed on high alert and are closely monitoring conditions to ensure a swift response to any emergencies.
RESIDENTS URGED TO EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION
Further, the MEC urged all communities in the affected areas to exercise extreme caution.
“We urge communities to be vigilant and ensure that they take the necessary precautions when faced with severe thunderstorms or flooding. Our teams are on standby and are monitoring the situation, but the safety of our residents remains a shared responsibility,” Buthelezi said.
Residents have also been advised to avoid crossing flooded rivers or streams, to secure loose objects that could be blown away by strong winds, and to seek shelter indoors.
HAVE THE ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS IN KZN AFFECTED YOU?
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