The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning to the residents of KwaZulu-Natal to brace themselves for more bad weather conditions on Monday. The warning is devastating as the residents are still trying to come to terms with the deadly floods that hit the province in April claims the lives of more than 400 people.
A yellow level 2 warning has been issued for KwaZulu-Natal in anticipation of damaging winds between Sunday midnight and Monday midday. “Strong to gale force winds are expected along the coastal areas of KZN. This will be accompanied by very rough sea conditions.”
Msawakhe Mayisela, the city of eThekwini Municipality spokesperson has urged the public and more particularly those living in informal settlements to be cautious. “Our mayor Mxolisi Kaunda has instructed that our emergency personnel be on standby following this stern warning from the South African Weather Service.”
The weather service warning coincided with aid received from Qatar. Tariq Ali Faraj, Qatar’s ambassador to South Africa, said the donated goods included tents, generators, water purifiers, blankets and clothes.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala said the devastating floods amounted to R25 billion in infrastructure damage. He said 459 people were killed, including one person in Inanda and two municipal workers in Verulam. 88 people are still reported missing.
“We pledge our commitment that any support given to us, as government, will be directed to the affected people in shelters. What we have received today is a great support that will go to more than 7000 people who are homeless and depend on government for food and clothing.”
Source: The Citizen, News24, image from Twitter
