Zikalala warns of potential flooding in KZN this weekend
Premier Sihle Zikalala says the KZN government has been warned by the weather service that if the province receives an additional 20 millimetres of rain this weekend there could be more flooding.
Forecasters say KZN should brace for cold and wet conditions as thunderstorms, accompanied by strong winds, roll into the province from late tomorrow into the weekend.
Snow is also expected in some parts.
Zikalala says since the last storm over a month ago dumped as much as over 300 millimetres in some areas, the ground has been saturated and poses a risk.
"We are advised that if KwaZulu-Natal receives an additional 20mm of rain, there is a potential for flooding as the ground may still be saturated following the recent heavy rains. We have been advised to expect snowfalls and freezing temperatures.
"The ExCo will, through the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs under MEC Sipho Hlomuka, put all our disaster teams on full alert."
READ: KZN on alert for possible heavy downpours
"We urge our fellow citizens to be aware especially those who may be in flood-prone areas. Everyone must exercise extreme caution and we appeal to people to be careful as they use self-heating mechanisms including gas heaters etc.
"We have barely recovered from the recent floods and many areas and infrastructure are still vulnerable, and we need to do everything possible to avoid disasters in rapid succession."
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