The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has upgraded the weather warning from Level 2 to Level 6 for eThekwini and seven other municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal, indicating that severe and disruptive rainfall is anticipated from Thursday at 5pm until March 14 at midnight.

Widespread showers and thunderstorms will affect the south-eastern parts of KZN, leading to potential flooding of roads and settlements, damage to infrastructure, and destruction of mud-based houses.

“A cold front is expected to pass through the eastern parts from tomorrow, accompanied by a ridging high, resulting in persistent widespread showers and thundershowers over the south-eastern parts until Friday evening,” SAWS warned.

“Significant rainfall amounts are expected, which may lead to flooding of roads and settlements, damage to infrastructure, and mud-based houses.”

The affected areas include eThekwini, KwaDukuza, Mkhambathini, Ndwedwe, Ray Nkonyeni, Umdoni, uMuziwabantu, and Umzumbe.

Authorities have urged extreme caution, with the warning outlining severe impacts, including:

-Flooding of roads, bridges, and settlements

-Danger to life due to fast-flowing streams and deep waters

-Major disruption of traffic flow on key roads

-Disruptions to essential services such as water, electricity, and communication

-Structural damage, especially to mud-based houses

SAWS has advised residents to avoid crossing swollen rivers and streams where water is above ankle level and to seek higher ground if trapped in a flooded vehicle.

Residents are also urged to move valuables to higher places, switch off electricity at the supply point, and relocate animals to safer areas.

IOL News

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