News24 | Disaster teams on high alert as heavy rains threaten flooding across Eastern Cape and KZN

KwaZulu-Natal traffic officers on high alert along the N3 after a forecast for downpours and thunderstorms.

KZN Department of Transport/Facebook

• The South African Weather Service issued severe weather warnings across multiple provinces, with heavy rains expected to persist into Friday, causing localised flooding.
• KZN MEC for Transport Siboniso Duma reported heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in Estcourt and along the N3, urging motorists to reduce speed and keep a safe following distance.
• The Eastern Cape government urged motorists to avoid unnecessary travel, listing Buffalo City, Makana, and Port St Johns among the affected municipalities.

Disaster management teams have been put on high alert amid heavy rains in parts of South Africa.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued several warnings for severe weather in various provinces on Thursday.

Heavy rains have been falling in many parts of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal since the early hours of Thursday.

The SAWS has issued a warning for damaging winds in parts of the Northern and Western Cape, while severe thunderstorms are expected in parts of Mpumalanga.

On Thursday morning, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma said he had received a report from the department’s Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) Midway officers indicating heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms in Estcourt and along the N3 route.

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“In this regard, we request motorists to exercise extra caution – reduce speed and keep a safe following distance. Importantly, we are encouraged by the vigilance displayed by RTI and a roving team from Human Settlements as we approach the rainy season.

“Unfortunately, the rainy season is characterised by flooding, which has caused the destruction of roads, bridges, and houses.”

“Teams are ensuring consistent monitoring of socioeconomic infrastructure due to its locality and the impact it has on the community when it is damaged and no longer safe for use,” Duma said.

The Eastern Cape government warned motorists to be vigilant on the roads after the SAWS warned of rainfall ranging between 30mm and 60mm.

“The rainfall is expected to persist into Friday, resulting in localised flooding in places from Thursday into Friday,” warned the SAWS.

According to the weather service, affected areas in the province include Buffalo City, Amahlathi, Blue Crane Route, King Sabata Dalindyebo, Makana, Mhlontlo, Port St Johns, and Umzimvubu municipalities.

The provincial government urged motorists to take precautions.

“We would urge [motorists] not to travel if it is not necessary to do so. And, of course, avoid over-flooded, low-lying bridges as that can cause serious troubles,” provincial transport spokesperson Unathi Binqose said.

“We will have our officers keeping a close eye on some of the affected areas to ensure that if danger emerges, they are able to move in and make a decisive call that will be done in the interest of the safety of all communities and road users in particular,” said Binqose.