Residents have been urged to avoid flood-prone roads and low-lying areas as heavy rainfall is expected across eThekwini from Thursday 17, September into Friday 18 September.
The eThekwini Municipality has activated its Disaster Management Centre and placed emergency services on high alert ahead of a Level 4 Impact-Based Warning for disruptive rainfall.
According to the official South African Weather Service (SAWS) warning, eThekwini is among several areas in KwaZulu-Natal expected to be affected, with disruptive rain potentially resulting in flooding of roads and both formal and informal settlements.
The severe weather is being driven by a strong ridging high-pressure system, a low-pressure system along the KwaZulu-Natal coast and a cut-off low-pressure system over the country’s central interior.
These conditions are expected to bring scattered to widespread showers and rain over KwaZulu-Natal, with the north-eastern parts of the province expected to be relatively isolated from the worst conditions.
SAWS has warned that the rainfall could cause major traffic disruptions as roads become flooded or closed, while fast-flowing streams and deep water could pose a danger to life.
Damage to property and infrastructure, loss of livestock, displacement of affected communities and temporary isolation of some communities are also among the possible impacts identified in the warning.
In response, the municipality said Fire and Emergency Services, Disaster Management, Metro Police and other frontline municipal units have been placed on high alert.
Emergency teams have been stationed across the city for rapid deployment, while municipal crews are expected to monitor waterways, infrastructure and areas with a history of flooding throughout the weather event.
Residents, particularly those living in low-lying areas and informal settlements, have been urged to identify higher ground and safe evacuation routes before conditions deteriorate.
Motorists should avoid low-lying roads and bridges susceptible to flooding and should never attempt to cross flooded rivers, streams or drainage channels, whether on foot or in a vehicle.
SAWS similarly cautioned residents against travelling on bridges and roads in low-lying areas because of the risk of flooding and possible sinkholes.
Those who must travel have been advised to reduce their speed, increase following distances and switch on their headlights. Residents should also secure loose outdoor objects and monitor official municipal communications for further weather updates.
The municipality urged the public to remain calm and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall.
Life-threatening emergencies and municipal infrastructure damage can be reported to the City’s Disaster Management and Emergency Services line on 031 361 0000.
