INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS HAVING A DEVASTATING IMPACT IN SOME PARTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY
Pretoria:The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Ms Thembi Nkadimeng has urged communities across the country to be on cautious and on high alert as heavy rains and thunderstorms that are continuing to bring about devastating conditions that endanger lives in some parts of the country.
The Kwa Zulu Natal Province is the hardest hit by the raging rains which have already claimed seven (7) lives and twelve (12) people still missing. In addition, flooding has also resulted in damages to infrastructure and property.
As we move closer to the end of this year, Minister has urged communities to be cautious as they celebrate the new year amid the heavy rains.
In the Western Cape, fires have destroyed a number of settlements and this leaving people homeless. Minister urged people to be safe and also be cautious with fire as it destroys lives and livelihoods.
The National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) is working collaboratively with Disaster Management Teams from across the three spheres of government and other teams to provide assistance where required, especially with recovery operations where there are still people missing.
Minister called for adequate response from all sectors to ensure that the affected communities are assisted.
The public is urged to:
– be extra vigilant and exercise caution especially flood prone areas.
– follow the regular updates and warning messages from the SAWS.
– work with relevant authorities and follow safety tips.
– Communities to be vigilant as the heavy rains left lots of debris on the roads.
The public should contact their municipal disaster management centres or the nearest police station or call the national emergency numbers (112, 10177 or 107) when faced with threats.
In addition to flooding, Minister Nkadimeng warned communities to ensure that fires are not left to gravitate out of control.
Based on the reports and the weather forecast for the next couple of days, the inclement weather conditions will continue in some parts of our country. To this end, we urge communities to work with the relevant authorities, be cautious, vigilant and alert so as to save lives.
Minister Nkadimeng said – “We urge all disaster response teams to do everything possible to ensure that those who are still missing loved ones find closure. In addition, we convey our heartfelt condolences to those who have lost loved ones”.
Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Thembi Nkadimeng says Kwa Zulu Natal Province is the hardest hit by the raging rains which have already claimed seven lives and twelve people still missing.
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