The eThekwini Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal says it has activated the Joint Disaster Management Centre in response to a Level 6 alert for disruptive rains that could lead to flooding from Thursday into Friday.

The severe weather conditions are expected to hit areas along the coast like eThekwini, KwaDukuza, Ndwedwe, Ray Nkonyeni and Umzumbe.

At least 20 people have died in the last two months in the province due to heavy rains.

Strategic and Emergency Evacuation Manager at the City’s Disaster Management Unit,  Jotham Khumalo says people should take heed of weater warnings.

“As we have been communicating through our social media platforms for people to adhere to the weather warnings to take precautions … but most importantly, what we can say is that the city is prepared. We have had our job joint operation centre this morning activated. As we are here, we are in the joint operation centre. It was activated this morning. We have (appointed) the provincial Disaster Management Operation Centre where they are also providing support to the municipalities where we require assistance,” says Khumalo.

Khumalo says they are closely monitoring the coastal areas that were previously affected by the recent heavy rains.

“Those areas that were previously affected, the teams are on the ground. They are doing storm water drainage and maintenance, chopping down trees where it is required and also the water department and the Department of Water and Sanitation is cleaning the rebel and illegal dumping that you’ve seen in the city. So, we experienced in Lamontville, in KwaMakhutha, in Umlazi, and Umgababa and all the coastal areas, which have been included in the early warnings. So, those are the areas that we are closely monitoring … all the coastal areas in the setting,” says Khumalo.

INFOGRAPHIC: Areas expected to be affected are indicated below: