KZN on high alert, residents brace for more severe weather
As heavy showers lash parts of KZN on Wednesday morning, provincial officials have placed emergency teams and road traffic authorities on standby.
"Not long ago, we experienced an extreme heat index of 30°C, but we [are] now bracing ourselves for possible snowfall and heavy rainfall," says KZN Transport and Human Settlements spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya.
The weather office has issued two important warnings. A level 4 alert is in place for most parts of the province with localised flooding expected due to disruptive rainfall.
An orange level 5 warning has been introduced for the south-eastern region where more intense conditions are likely to develop.
KZN Transport says its team from the Road Traffic Inspectorate is closely monitoring traffic and any possible road closures.
READ: Level 4 warning as KZN braces for heavy rain
Spokesperson, Ndabezinhle Sibiya says their focus is on the N3 Toll Route, the R617 between Kokstad and Underberg, and the N2 in the Ingeli area.
"The RTI team will also be responsible for escorting trucks and vehicles to ensure that there is no congestion on the road.
"Drivers of motor graders have been sharpened to respond with speed and a sense of urgency to remove any snow before it accumulates on the road. More than 10 graders will be stationed on identified routes to ensure that our response is faster."
Sibiya say they'll assist people affected by flooding.
"Recently, we experienced floods and localised landslides that resulted in the death of communities. Where necessary, working with the Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane and her capable team, we will ensure that families are relocated to ensure their safety.
"The deployment of Temporary Residential Units will be sped up to accommodate affected families."
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