Severe weather wreaks havoc across KwaZulu-Natal

THERE was damage to infrastructure, homes and power outages across parts of KwaZulu-Natal yesterday due to the severe weather conditions.

- SIPHESIHLE BUTHELEZI

In a disaster management update yesterday, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, warned that the situation remains serious.

“As the inclement weather continues, we can confirm that six of our eleven districts have been affected, with moderate to severe disruptions recorded by our disaster teams,” he said.

Power outages are widespread. According to Eskom KwaZulu-Natal, there were electricity outages across the province. Impacted areas included Empangeni, Melmoth, Mtubatuba, Ulundi, Hluhluwe, Jozini, Nongoma, Eshowe, Bergville, Ladysmith, Ixopo, Kokstad, Cedarville in the Eastern Cape, Franklin, Umzimkhulu and Harding.

“Public infrastructure, especially electricity lines, has been severely affected.

In some areas, power lines were damaged by snow and strong winds, which left residents and businesses in darkness,” Buthelezi added.

Eskom noted that restoration efforts are underway but were hampered by road closures. “We understand the inconvenience and frustration this situation causes and appeal to our customers for patience and understanding.”