The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has forecast heavy rains, thunderstorms and other severe weather conditions in multiple South African provinces. The regions that are predicted to be most impacted are KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape and the Eastern Cape.
The western and southern parts of KZN as well as the eastern and coastal parts of the Eastern Cape have received a yellow level 2 warning. This means that the mentioned areas could experience flooding, strong winds, large amounts of hail, and lightning strikes. These weather conditions could result in structural damages and potential injuries in both humans and livestock.
The Western Cape has also received a yellow level 2 warning. The south coast of the Western Cape region is expected to experience heavy rainfall which could result in localised flooding of susceptible settlements.
The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Sipho Hlomuka, has placed disaster management teams on high alert following the storm warnings, according to News24. These disaster management teams will be keeping a close eye on areas in KZN that are prone to weather-related incidents. Hlomuka has urged the residents of KZN to practice extreme caution during these drastic weather conditions to prevent loss of life and other related consequences.
The George region has already been affected by extreme weather conditions. On Monday morning the area saw as much as 110mm of rain falling in a single hour which in turn caused damage to homes, the closure of hospitals and clinics, the evacuation of residents, localised flooding and traffic chaos. According to the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and the Joint Operations Centre (JOC), provincial and local municipal traffic departments are currently on the scene patrolling all roads and towns.
The Humanitarian organisation, Gift of the Givers, was quick to respond with assistance to George residents. The Gift of the Givers have arranged for supplies to be delivered by trucks travelling from Kimberly, Gqeberha, Graaff-Reinet and Cape Town, according to the Daily Maverick. These trucks are filled to the brim with maize, food parcels, mattresses, hygiene packs, clothing, blankets, sanitary pads, bottled water, plastic sheeting and pet food. In addition to sending supplies, the founder of the Gift of the Givers, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, was quoted saying that the organisation has ‘made arrangements to bring in helicopters and our aquatic teams if water rescue is required.’
Picture: Getaway Gallery
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