Bad weather ahead for parts of Zululand
This forecast follows bad weather in uMzimkhulu which rendered more than 300 families homeless
SEVERE thunderstorms are expected over parts of Zululand, uMkhanyakude, King Cetshwayo, iLembe, uThukela, uMgungundlovu, uMzinyathi, Amajuba and eThekwini this (Friday) afternoon.
This after thunderstorms left a trail of damage in uMzimkhulu on Christmas Eve, leaving a number of families homeless.
‘Those who were injured were quickly rushed to a hospital and received proper medical care,’ said KZN COGTA MEC Sipho Hlomuka.
‘It is very sad that instead of celebrating Christmas, 308 families now have to rebuild their lives following these heavy storms.
‘As the area where the storm hit spans across three local municipalities (Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, uMzimkhulu and uBuhlebezwe), our disaster management teams will continue to work with these local municipalities and the district to ensure that adequate support is provided to all the victims of this severe storm.’
The MEC has also directed the department to convene a disaster management workshop in the new year to mitigate the impact of weather-related incidents across the province.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) also warned earlier this week that high tides would be higher than average and low tides would be lower than average.
‘Caution is advised for areas exposed by the lower-than-normal low tide, as they will flood when the tide rises,’ said SAWS.
‘Furthermore, certain areas that are normally accessible may be flooded owing to the higher-than-normal high tide.
‘Visitors to the coastline during the festive season are reminded to observe all normal precautions in respect of waves and rip currents.
‘It is recommended that beach-goers swim only at life-guarded beaches, within demarcated swimming areas.’
