KwaZulu-Natal has been warned to prepare for heavy rain and flooding as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) on Saturday issued a level 4 yellow warning.
“Rain and thunderstorms are widespread in most parts of KZN today. As a result of the prolonged rain in many parts of the province in the past few days, the expected rain may have a more localized impact,” Saws said.
Impact
Saws added that the impact of heavy rains may include flooding of informal settlements, roads and bridges.
“It can cause damage to property and infrastructure, mud-based homes and also cause poor driving conditions.”
“There may also be major traffic disruptions due to road closures or flooding,” he said.
READ ALSO: ‘I have nothing’: Mpumalanga residents save what they can after floods
Death
Earlier this week, torrential rains in the province claimed the lives of six people including a three-month-old baby, two of whom were missing and destroyed nearly 140 houses.
The department of cooperative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta) in the province said that Umkhanyakude, King Cetshwayo, Umzinyathi and Amajuba districts have experienced the worst of the heavy rains in the past two days.
Flood
KZN Cogta MEC Bongi Sithole-Moloi said roads and bridges in the province were affected along with public infrastructure including gravel and black roads.
“Assessment shows that 139 houses were damaged and 158 were partially damaged by the storm. Disaster response teams continue to assess as various areas continue to receive more rain, while the ground is already waterlogged.
destruction
Sithole-Moloi said the total cost of damages was still being collected together with various state organs.
“The President’s proclamation of a state of national disaster will allow affected institutions to reprioritize their finances in order to respond to the immediate problems caused by the devastation caused by the heavy rains.”
“Unfortunately there is no end in sight as the SA Weather Service has warned that the rain will continue into the summer,” Sithole-Moloi said.
ALSO READ: Government declares state of national calamity due to widespread flooding