The Department of Cooperative Governance in KwaZulu-Natal has announced that disaster management teams are on high alert in response to a level 4 inclement weather warning predicting damaging waves for numerous coastal areas.
According to the South African Weather Services (SAWS), these waves are anticipated to surge to a height of 5 meters, posing a substantial risk of severe damage to infrastructure and potential disruption to small harbors.
Spokesperson for COGTA, Sboniso Mngadi, issued a warning to residents, especially those residing in coastal towns. He emphasised the seriousness of the situation, stating, “We have received a warning of Stage 4 for damaging waves in most of the coastal towns of KwaZulu-Natal, spanning from Port Edward to Richards Bay.”
Mngadi elaborated on the weather services’ advisory, “The warning from the South African Weather Services indicates that we may expect very high waves that may reach a height of 5 meters. This poses a significant threat to coastal infrastructure, including walkways, pathways, and other structures situated along the shoreline.”
In light of the impending danger, Mngadi issued a plea to bathers and surfers, urging them to exercise caution and avoid venturing into the sea during this period of heightened risk.
“We also appeal to all individuals who utilise the ocean, including surfers and fishermen, to heed the information disseminated by local municipalities and adhere to their guidance. We strongly advise against entering the ocean until the danger has subsided,” stressed Mngadi.
As coastal communities brace themselves for the impending weather conditions, disaster management teams remain on standby, ready to respond swiftly to any emergencies that may arise as a result of the damaging waves.
Adverse Weather | Level 9 warning issued for parts of SA:
⛈️Morning satellite & updated alerts (27 Sept 2023) >Cut-off low south-east of SA moving away
>Rain expected along EC coast
>Showers & thundershowers across NE provinces today (including GP, MPU, LMP, eastern FS).
>After #CapeStorm WC will be dry & sunny over the next few days pic.twitter.com/3IhcIDGhkZ— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) September 27, 2023
Weather outlook for Thursday, 28 September 2023. Scattered to isolated showers and thundershowers are expected in the north-east. Otherwise, fine and cool conditions but warm in the extreme west. #weatherupdate #southafrican #weathersouthafrican #Thunderstorms #weatherforcast pic.twitter.com/VvvRQLVNNV
— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) September 26, 2023
