Durban — Disaster management teams in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) have urged residents to remain on high alert as strong rain and possible flooding are expected to continue until Tuesday. The South African Weather Services (SAWS) issued an Orange Level 5 warning for intensified rain and thundershowers to start the week, following the tragic news of over 11 fatalities due to the inclement weather around the eThekwini Municipality, according to The Citizen.
Thulasizwe Buthelezi, the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC in KZN, voiced deep concern about the potential impact of these severe thunderstorms and the associated flooding. “The province has already experienced tragic losses of life due to recent inclement weather conditions,” Buthelezi stated, emphasizing the necessity for communities living in low-lying areas and near riverbanks to seek shelter on higher ground immediately.
Weather alerts have been ramped up, as the South African Weather Services has now confirmed Level 5 warnings not just for eThekwini but also for Ray Nkonyeni, Mkhambathini, Umdoni, and UMzumbe municipalities. Residents are advised to take immediate action to safeguard their lives: stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and heed evacuation instructions if required. The urgency of this situation has been aptly captured by the KZN Cogta’s social media updates, warning, “Take immediate action to safeguard your safety.”
Motorists are being particularly cautioned by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC). According to spokesperson Simon Zwane, drivers should remain cautious and vigilant amid the severe weather conditions as they could lead to accidents. “The Road Traffic Management Corporation urges motorists who will be travelling to KZN to check the weather forecast before embarking on their journeys and to avoid travelling at night where possible,” he advised.
This weekend’s disruptive rain has already led to significant damage to property and infrastructure, rendering many residents homeless. Reports highlight complete standstills across various parts of KZN, as heavy rains caused road closures and paralysis of city operations. The South African Weather Services (SAWS) quickly elevated their warning from Level 2 to Level 5 on Sunday as continuous heavy rains impacted the province.
“A level 5 alert for disruptive rains has been issued for KwaZulu-Natal, with heavy downpours expected to tolerate until Tuesday, as efforts continue to assist families displaced by flooding,” reported Newzroom Afrika on March 3, 2025.
This situation has led to considerable logistical challenges, with emergency services on standby monitoring the situation. The eThekwini Disaster Management and Emergency Services remain vigilant, prepared for rapid response alongside government departments and private organizations to assist flood victims. The eThekwini Municipality stated, “The aid is particularly directed toward areas such as Lamontville and South Durban, which were severely affected and where some lives were lost.”
Residents are being strongly reminded to exercise caution. Floodwaters have rendered certain pathways dangerous, with Foreshore Drive on The Bluff and Tara Road reportedly suffering from flooding. Other affected routes include Solomon Mahlangu Drive and Brighton Beach Road, as confirmed by emergency service alerts.
Meanwhile, community members have reported significant flooding impacts, with the RTMC indicating numerous calls from affected residents across the South Coast about waterlogged roads. Warnings have been reiterated for residents to remain cautious, especially when driving through areas prone to flooding.
Heavy rains have already caused many rivers to overflow, creating hazardous conditions. Prem Balram, from Reaction Unit South Africa, reported: “Following the rains, several rivers have burst their banks, and water from roads is being diverted through properties after storm water drains can’t accommodate the flow.” Reports also emerged of a family being evacuated from their home on Louts Road in Temple Valley due to collapse risks.
Authorities have been proactive; during recent heavy rains, 11 lives were lost. Efforts are being made to engage with the families affected by the floods to assist with funeral arrangements, particularly for those who tragically drowned in Lamontville.
What’s on the horizon, according to officials, is more heavy rainfall with potential side effects of severe thunderstorms across KZN. Similarly, Kyle van Reenen, of Ensure Security, advised drivers to avoid unnecessary travel. “Avoid low lying areas and do not attempt to cross bridges or roadways with free-flowing water,” he stressed.
Authorities are continuously urging residents to prepare and not take these warnings lightly. The KZN Department of Cogta remains concerned about the potential impact of severe thunderstorms, describing the safeguard of communities as the top priority.
“We are deeply concerned about the potential impact of these severe thunderstorms and the associated flooding,” concluded Buthelezi, reiterifying their commitment to keeping families safe. Residents are encouraged to stay updated, maintain communication with relevant authorities, and act swiftly to secure their surroundings as the unpredictable weather pattern persists.