Staff Reporter
KwaZulu-Natal disaster management teams have been placed on high alert after the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued warnings for extremely high veld fire danger and damaging winds across parts of the province on Thursday.
The province’s Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi urged residents to exercise “utmost caution” as dry conditions and strong winds raised the risk of veld fires.
An extremely high veld fire danger warning, with a Fire Danger Index above 75, is valid on 2 July from 06:00 until 16:59. A Level 2 warning for damaging winds is also in place from 05:00 until 20:59.
“These volatile conditions affect the KZN interior, extreme southern parts, and the northern interior, specifically impacting Abaqulusi, Alfred Duma (Ladysmith, Indaka), Big Five Hlabisa – Hlabisa, Dannhauser, eDumbe, eMadlangeni, Endumeni, Greater Kokstad, Inkosi Langalibalele (Estcourt, Sobabili), Mpofana (Mooi River), Msinga, Mthonjaneni, Newcastle, Nkandla, Nongoma, Nquthu, Okhahlamba, Ray Nkonyeni, Ubuhlebezwe, Ulundi, Umdoni, UMuziwabantu, Umvoti, Umzimkhulu, Umzumbe, and uPhongolo,” the department said.
Buthelezi warned that the dry conditions, together with wind gusts of between 50 km/h and 80 km/h, posed a severe risk to human life, livestock and infrastructure.
The KZN Provincial Disaster Management Centre is monitoring all affected areas closely to coordinate swift emergency responses.
“KwaZulu-Natal has historically suffered severe devastation and tragic loss of life from veld fires,” the department said.
To reduce the risks, the department said it was supporting municipalities and communities in the urgent roll-out and maintenance of controlled firebreaks.
Farmers, traditional communities and residents have been urged to follow safety precautions.
“Do not light open fires or leave any fire unattended under any circumstances.
“Never discard cigarette butts or glass bottles in the veld, as glass can magnify the sun’s rays and ignite dry grass.
“Prepare and maintain clear firebreaks in a controlled manner around properties and farms.
“In the event of a large fire, report it immediately to emergency services and move away to safety,” the department said.
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