The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in KwaZulu Natal has issued a warning to communities downstream of the Tugela River areas that potential flooding is possible due to snowmelt in the highlands. The province was hit by snowstorm on Friday and Saturday in the Midlands which left one woman dead and hundreds stuck on the N3 route of Friday night.
CONDOLENCES TO DECEASED FAMILY
Cogta MEC Reverand Thulasizwe Buthelezi has praised the disaster response teams, first aid responders and social partners for their swift action following the snowstorm. Buthelezi said the teams worked tirelessly throughout the weekend under challenging conditions to reach stranded motorists. "They provided relief, preventing what could have been a mass casualty event," Buthelezi said. He also extended his condolences to the family of 39-year-old Nozibele Nzonzo, who tragically passed away on Saturday after being exposed to extreme cold, while stuck in a taxi caught in the snowstorm. "With all routes now reopened, motorists are urged to drive safely. Particularly with schools closed, parents are advised to ensure that children do not play near unguarded large bodies of water, especially rivers and dams. Disaster management teams will continue to monitor areas along the Tugela River, from Ladysmith to uMsinga," Buthelezi said.
SAFETY MEASSURES
Provincial spokesperson Senzele Mzila has shared some of the safety measures communities should take in case of flooding:
• Do not walk, swim or drive through floodwaters.
• Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.
• Determine your best protection based on the type of flooding.
• Evacuate if instructed to do so.
• Move to higher ground or a higher floor.
• Stay where you are.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE UNDER A FLOOD WARNING
• Find safe shelter immediately.
• Do not walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters.
• Remember, just 15 centimetres of moving water can knock you down, and 30 centimetres can sweep your vehicle away.
• Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.Depending on the type of flooding, anyone should evacuate if instructed to do so, move to higher ground or a higher floor, or stay where they are.
