South Africa on High Alert as KwaZulu-Natal Faces More Flooding

Heavy rains over the weekend exacerbated the damage caused by recent floods in KwaZulu-Natal, leaving more people homeless and causing traffic disruptions. At least 20 people have died in KwaZulu-Natal floods in the past two months.

The South African Weather Service escalated its warning to level 5, predicting more flooding in vulnerable areas. Heavy downpours are expected to cause flooding and excessive lightning and damaging winds in the western and southern parts of the province.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, urged residents to avoid building in low-lying areas and exercise caution as heavy rains persist. He pleaded with parents to keep children home from school during severe weather, citing safety concerns after incidents like children being swept away by rivers. Residents in low-lying areas were advised to seek higher ground and avoid non-essential travel, as roads in the EThekwini Metro are already flooded.