KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has commended disaster management teams and the provincial education department on their response to the impact of the heavy rains that have fallen over most of the province.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) earlier issued an orange, level 5 weather warning for disruptive rains over the coastal area and adjacent interior.
Dube-Ncube says in a statement, this warning is issued when there is a significant impact such as widespread flooding of roads and informal settlements.
In a statement, Premier Dube-Ncube has thanked disaster management, rapid response and communications teams for alerting communities about the weather threat.
She also thanked the provincial education department in deciding to send learners and teachers home early on the first day of school, due to the heavy rains.
Dube-Ncube says this proactive step has gone a long way to prevent possible, tragic consequences. Weather authorities have warned that rains will continue over night across the province.
Weather warning systems explained:
