The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned against disruptive rains, at Level 4 on Wednesday.
Affected areas are eThekwini (Durban), Abaqulusi, Alfred Duma (Ladysmith), Big Five Hlabisa, Hluhluwe, Dannhauser, eDumbe, eMadlangeni, Endumeni, Jozini, KwaDukuza (Stanger), Mandeni, Maphumulo, Mkambathini, Mthonjaneni, Mtubatuba, Ndwedwe, Newcastle, and surrounds.
Rainfall at Level 2, is also expected at Alfred Duma (Indaka), the Underberg, Greater Kokstad, Impendle, Ingwe, Escourt and Sobabili, Giants Castle and Mooi River, Msinga, Nkandla, Okhahlamba, Richmond, The Msunduzi, Ubuhlebezwe, uMngeni, uMshwathi, uMuziwabantu, Umvoti, and Umzimkhulu.
As a result, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, has urged communities to exercise caution.
He also said disaster management teams were activated and traffic officials, out monitoring key routes.
“Residents in vulnerable areas, including those near riverbeds, informal settlements, and individuals with limited mobility, are encouraged to take proactive safety measures.”
Measures include not crossing flooded roads or bridges, move vehicles to higher ground if parked in flood-prone areas, prepare emergency kits with essential items such as medication, water, and important documents.