By Lebone Rodah Mosima
eThekwini is bracing for further severe thunderstorms on Monday as recovery teams continue assessing damage caused by days of heavy rain that affected 27 wards across the municipality.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms over parts of KwaZulu-Natal, with the warning for eThekwini remaining in effect until Monday evening.
Heavy downpours, hail and excessive lightning are possible, with a risk of localised flooding and damage to infrastructure and settlements.
eThekwini Municipality said on Sunday that the city was expected to be significantly affected and urged residents to take precautions.
“The municipality’s Disaster Management Directorate and Emergency Services remain on high alert and ready to respond to any weather-related incidents. Residents are urged to remain vigilant, monitor official weather updates, and take necessary precautions to protect lives and property.”
The warning comes as the municipality continues recovery and assessment work following severe thunderstorms between 16 and 19 September.
According to the city, 27 wards were affected and Disaster Management teams responded to 19 incidents.
Fourteen households and 84 residents were affected, with five homes destroyed and nine partially damaged. Fourteen people were displaced, including one person living with a disability.
No injuries or fatalities were reported.
About 30 municipal health facilities were also affected by roof leaks and water ingress, although the city said all remained operational.
Several electricity poles were damaged and were still being assessed, with the Central Western Region the hardest hit. Restoration teams were working to restore electricity supply.
SAWS has also warned of extremely high fire danger conditions in the Nama-Khoi Municipality in the Northern Cape.
Other cities:
Pretoria, Johannesburg and Vereeniging: Partly cloudy conditions with isolated showers and thundershowers are expected.
Durban: Partly cloudy conditions with scattered afternoon showers and thundershowers. Winds will initially be light and variable, becoming light to moderate southerly to south-westerly.
Richards Bay: Partly cloudy conditions with scattered afternoon showers and thundershowers. Winds will be light to moderate northerly to north-westerly, becoming southerly to south-westerly in the afternoon.
Mbombela: Morning fog and drizzle are expected, followed by cloudy conditions with isolated showers.
Cape Town: Fine conditions are expected, with light and variable winds.
EThekwini residents experiencing an emergency can contact the municipality’s Disaster Management Centre on 031 361 0000.
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