KZN COGTA COMMITTEE CHAIR URGES RESIDENTS TO HEED SEVERE WEATHER WARNINGS

KZN COGTA COMMITTEE CHAIR URGES RESIDENTS TO HEED SEVERE WEATHER WARNINGS

Honourable Marlaine Nair, Chairperson of the Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, has urged residents to treat the severe weather warnings issued for parts of the province today and tomorrow with the utmost seriousness.

Heavy rainfall, possible flooding and snowfall are forecast in some areas. Nair says residents should follow official weather and emergency information issued by the South African Weather Service and the relevant disaster management authorities, avoid unnecessary travel where conditions are hazardous, and never attempt to drive or walk through flooded roads, low-lying bridges or swollen rivers.

“KwaZulu-Natal knows how quickly severe weather can place lives, homes and infrastructure at risk. Taking warnings seriously and acting early can help prevent avoidable loss and tragedy,” added Nair.

The Committee recognises the disaster management personnel, emergency services, municipal workers, law enforcement officers, healthcare workers and volunteers who may be called upon to assist communities
“We wish them safety as they carry out this important work, often in difficult and dangerous conditions. The weather warning also highlights the importance of ensuring that municipal disaster management plans, emergency response systems and public communication are ready to be activated whenever severe weather threatens communities.”

Nair encouraged residents to take sensible precautions, assist children, elderly people and neighbours who may need support, and contact the appropriate emergency services should assistance be required.

At this time, the priority must be the protection of lives and the safety of our communities.

ISSUED BY THE KZN LEGISLATURE COMMUNICATION UNIT ON BEHALF OF THE COGTA PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON, HONOURABLE MARLAINE NAIR