Stormy week predicted for Zululand
Zululanders are in for a wet week ahead as experts have predicted heavy rains and gale force winds
Zululand can expect a wet week ahead as heavy rains and gale force winds have been predicted.
Speaking to the ZO, Wayne Venter of the South African Weather Service (SAWS) said a low pressure system developing between St Lucia and Richards Bay this week would bring more rain.
‘The low will be pushing up quite a bit of moisture, adding to the strong possibility of heavy rains for today (Monday) as well as gale force winds,’ he said.
While there have been no major incidents of flooding or damage reported in the region as a direct result of tropical cyclone Dineo, areas such as Jozini and St Lucia did receive some good rains to bring relief to the drought-stricken area.
Jozini resident Nosipho Mabiya said they experienced their heaviest rainfall in a long time last week
PHOTO: Anelisa Kubheka
Damage Control
Meanwhile the Mozambican government deployed a team to assess the damage in the aftermath of tropical cyclone Dineo as mop-up operations began in earnest.
At least 116 government buildings, including hospitals, had their roofs blown off and more than 170 000 people were affected when strong winds and downpours swept through Inhambane and Maxixe, as well the districts of Morrumbene, Massinga, Jangano, Inharrime, Panda, Vilankulo, Funhalonso, Mabote and Homoine.
Dineo’s trail of destruction has left seven people dead and scores injured.
Disaster management spokesman Antonio Beleza on Friday noted that one bridge and 24km of roads had been damaged.
‘Government has deployed a team on the ground to assess the damage and the costs.
‘A joint multi-sectoral government and humanitarian team will be reporting back soon.’
He said government has in the meantime been providing relief to affected people, including tents, water purifiers, mosquito nets and basic foodstuffs.
‘A considerable number of people are already reconstructing their houses.
‘Patients and prisoners were removed to safer areas before the cyclone hit and school classes were suspended,’ he said.
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