KZN residents urged to be cautious amid downpours
As heavy rains continue to lash parts of KwaZulu-Natal Friday morning, residents are being urged to take all necessary precautions to remain safe.
KZN Cogta says disaster management teams have been deployed to flagged areas, following the issuing of two severe weather warnings for disruptive rain by the South African Weather Service.
"The level 9 warning is for coastal areas from Ugu to Umkhanyakude, while the level 5 warning is for inland areas," says spokesperson Nonala Ndlovu.
READ: KZN disaster teams on standby amid level 9 weather alert
Ndlovu says the areas affected are eThekwini, Ilembe, Umgungundlovu, uMkhanyakude, Uthukela, uMzinyathi, Zululand, Harry Gwala, Amajuba and Ugu.
She says the Provincial Disaster Management Centre has activated the Joint Operations Committee, which will meet daily with all disaster management teams.
"This is to make sure all disaster management teams across the province remain on high alert to deal with any challenges that might surface. It is also important to keep all means of communication open, particularly keeping cellphones charged.
"All important documents must be kept in water-proof containers or packaging. We continue to plead with people to keep away from rivers, dams and any large bodies of water during this time."
Meanwhile, a Ntuzuma resident says she's had to move her bedding to the floor to prevent flooding in her home.
ALSO READ: Level 9 weather warning for KZN, series of storms expected
Zama Mkhize says the recent spate of weather warnings has left many residents in the area on edge.
People are worried about the potential impact of severe storms after the fatal floods in April last year.
"For me, the scare starts from when I hear the warnings announced. It brings back bad memories of things I have seen. People losing their homes and accidents and me having to fight the water from coming inside the house because it always does when it rains.
"I worry a lot if it starts raining and I am at work because I know what I find. Now I have blankets and towels out, but it looks like it is not helping."
