KwaZulu-Natal on High Alert as Severe Rainfall Threatens Province
KwaZulu-Natal's disaster management teams are on high alert as the province prepares for severe weather conditions expected to cause widespread disruption on Sunday, September 28, 2025.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Level 4 warning for disruptive rainfall, forecasting heavy downpours across large swathes of the province from midnight until late in the evening.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has emphasised the province is taking the threat seriously. "Disaster management teams have been placed on high alert ahead of severe weather conditions forecast for Sunday, September 28," Buthelezi announced.
The Level 4 warning encompasses 24 municipalities, a wide geographical area indicating the potential scale of the impact. The affected municipalities include: Abaqulusi, Alfred Duma (Indaka and Ladysmith), Dannhauser, Dr N. Dlamini-Zuma (Underberg), eDumbe, eMadlangeni, Endumeni, Greater Kokstad, Impendle, Ingwe, Inkosi Langalibalele (Escourt and Sobabili), Mpofana (Giants Castle and Mooi River), Msinga, Newcastle, Nkandla, Nquthu, Okhahlamba, Richmond, Msunduzi, Ubuhlebezwe, uMngeni, uMshwathi, Umvoti, and Umzimkhulu.
SAWS has warned that the anticipated rainfall could lead to a number of serious consequences. These include the flooding of roads and low-lying areas, damage to homes and infrastructure, and disruption of essential services. The weather service has also highlighted the potential risks to both human and animal life.
Provincial traffic authorities have confirmed they will be actively monitoring major routes throughout the day. Their aim is to assist motorists and implement necessary safety measures in response to the evolving weather conditions.
Buthelezi has urged all residents to heed the warning and take appropriate preparatory measures. "Residents must remain vigilant, follow official updates, and take all necessary precautions to safeguard lives and property," he stated.
The department has specifically highlighted that communities most at risk are those residing near rivers, in informal settlements, or in areas where mobility is limited. The Provincial Disaster Management Centre is working closely with local municipalities to ensure emergency response plans are in place and ready to be activated if needed.
To ensure safety, the department has issued practical guidelines for residents, including:
- Avoiding flooded roads and bridges
- Moving vehicles to higher ground
- Preparing emergency kits with medication, water, and important documents
- Remaining indoors unless evacuation is advised
"Weather conditions may change rapidly," the department cautioned, urging residents to stay informed by monitoring updates from the South African Weather Service and local authorities through radio, television, and official social media platforms. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and prepared as KwaZulu-Natal faces the potential for severe weather.
Follow Us on Twitter
