Severe weather warnings in KwaZulu-Natal remain in place as heavy rains cause destruction

Weather warnings are still in place for parts of KwaZulu-Natal on Monday after heavy rains lashed the province on Sunday, leaving a trail of destruction in the uMshwathi Municipality where three people are missing.

Houses and roads were severely damaged in localised flooding in New Hanover in uMshwathi Municipality. Some roads and bridges were also washed away and search and rescue teams are searching for three people who were swept away in flood waters. Other parts of the greater uMgungundlovu District Municipality have also been affected.

The SA Weather Service said that a yellow level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms accompanied by heavy downpours, damaging winds, excessive lightning and hail has been forecast for Monday.

The SAWS said this could result in flooding of roads, settlements (formal and informal) and low-lying areas, injuries and danger to life, damage or loss of infrastructure, settlements, property, vehicles, livelihood, agricultural production and livestock are expected over the north-western parts of KZN.

Affected areas include Alfred Duma Municipality, Big Five Hlabisa, Ladysmith, Dannhauser, eDumbe, Nkandla, Impendle, Newcastle, Endumeni, Escourt, Mooi River, Mpofana, Msinga, Mthonjaneni, Mandeni, Maphumulo, Nongoma, Underberg and Giant’s Castle.

KZN’s Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs department has urged residents to exercise extreme caution and avoid crossing swollen rivers or low-lying bridges, and monitor official weather updates.

THE MERCURY