Disaster Management teams in KwaZulu-Natal are on high alert after a severe thunderstorm battered parts of Newcastle on Sunday night, causing flash floods, hail damage, and road closures across the town.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), led by MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, confirmed that mop-up operations are under way following the storm, which damaged infrastructure, homes, businesses, and vehicles in the Newcastle Central Business District (CBD).

“We are grateful for the swift action taken by our Disaster Management teams in Newcastle. Their dedication has ensured that affected communities receive timely support,” said MEC Buthelezi. “I appeal to all residents, particularly those in low-lying and flood-prone areas, to exercise caution. Seek shelter on higher ground and avoid crossing flooded roads or bridges. Public safety remains our utmost priority.”

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Level 4 Severe Thunderstorm Warning, which remains in effect across multiple districts, including Amajuba, uThukela, Harry Gwala, uMgungundlovu, Umzinyathi, and Zululand.

According to Cogta, the storm caused flooding along major roads such as Ayliff, Kirkland, Scott, Bird, Patterson, and Allen Streets in the Newcastle CBD. These routes were temporarily closed to traffic but have since been reopened following coordinated clean-up operations led by municipal and provincial disaster teams.

Early assessments indicate that several government offices, private homes, vehicles, and even an old-age home were affected by the storm. Emergency personnel have been deployed to assist residents, restore essential services, and assess the full extent of the damage.

There are several areas under warning and the Level 4 alert applies to the following regions:

Amajuba District: Newcastle, Dannhauser, eMadlangeni

uThukela District: Alfred Duma, Inkosi Langalibalele, Okhahlamba

Harry Gwala District: Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Greater Kokstad, uMzimkhulu

uMgungundlovu District: Msunduzi, uMngeni, Mpofana, uMshwathi, iMpendle

Umzinyathi District: uMvoti, uMsinga, Nquthu

Zululand District: Abaqulusi, eDumbe, eNdumeni, Ulundi, Nongoma

Other Municipalities: Nkandla, uMuziwabantu

Residents are urged to remain indoors and observe safety precautions as severe weather persists. Authorities warn against crossing flooded roads or rivers, taking shelter under trees or near metal structures and standing near windows during thunderstorms.

Cogta has urged the public to stay informed by following official updates from the department and the South African Weather Service.

“Disaster Management teams across the province remain on standby to respond to any further incidents. We urge communities to act responsibly and report emergencies promptly,” said department spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila.

IOL

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