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NATIONAL NEWS AND VIDEO - Heavy rains and severe thunderstorms are expected to continue across KZN, Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga today after a weekend of destructive weather that caused flooding, damage to homes and multiple rescue operations.
Zululand Observer reports three people are missing after being swept away in the New Hanover area in the KZN Midlands.
“In addition to the incident in New Hanover, disaster management teams are responding to multiple reports of damage across the uMgungundlovu District. Preliminary information suggests several residential properties have sustained flood damage, and road infrastructure, including bridges, has been affected,” says Cogta MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi.
“The full extent of the destruction is not yet quantified. Disaster management officials will conduct comprehensive assessments in the affected communities to determine the scale of the damage and the immediate needs of residents once conditions allow for safe operations,” adds Buthelezi.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS), which at the weekend issued an orange level 5 and a yellow level 4 warning for KZN, said heavy downpours are still expected in the north-western parts of the province today.
The thunderstorms may be accompanied by hail and excessive lightning that could lead to flooding of susceptible roads, low-lying areas and bridges. Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution and avoid crossing swollen rivers or low-lying bridges.
The Witness reports that the dangers became all too real yesterday afternoon, when a family of five narrowly escaped disaster when their home was swept away by severe flooding in the uMshwathi Municipality.
The heavy rains wreaked havoc across the area, leaving houses and roads badly damaged. Search and rescue teams are looking for at least two people after recovering one body earlier today.
Authorities estimate that around 100 people, mostly from Lesotho, were affected. Many of the informal settlements destroyed had been built on floodplains, leaving them particularly vulnerable.
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Level 4 and 5 warnings for Pretoria
Pretoria residents can expect a dangerous start to the week as severe thunderstorms sweep across the city, prompting both level 4 and level 5 warnings from SAWS.
Pretoria Rekord reports that heavy downpours, large hail, intense lightning and damaging winds may continue into the early hours of tomorrow, with the City of Tshwane Emergency Services urging communities to stay indoors, avoid flooded roads and remain on high alert for rapidly changing conditions.
Official storm warnings
Orange level 5: Severe thunderstorms producing heavy downpours, hail and excessive lightning that could lead to flooding of susceptible roads, low-lying areas and bridges, damage to infrastructure and properties due to large amounts of small hail or large hail in an open area, strong damaging winds and disruptions to communication and municipality services are expected over the northern parts of Gauteng, central parts of Limpopo and the Highveld of Mpumalanga (except for the extreme southwest).
Yellow level 4: Severe thunderstorms producing heavy downpours, hail and excessive lightning that could lead to flooding of susceptible roads, low-lying areas and bridges, damages to infrastructure and properties due to hail, strong damaging winds and disruptions to communication and municipality services are expected over Limpopo (except for the central parts and the Lowveld), the southern parts of Gauteng, the Mpumalanga escarpment and the extreme southwest, as well as the north-western parts of KZN.
Safety tips from Tshwane Emergency Services
- If possible, stay indoors and away from metal objects that conduct electricity (barbed wire fences, power lines), which may be hit by lightning.
- Avoid outdoor activities such as fishing or playing golf in the rain, as fishing rods and golf clubs may attract lightning.
- Do not seek shelter under isolated trees or tall objects if there is a thunderstorm.
- Avoid crossing flooded low-lying roads, bridges and swollen streams.
The department said it continues to monitor weather reports and remains on high alert for emergencies.
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