Floods in Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal have displaced hundreds of residents, damaged infrastructure and caused 82 fatalities.

In the Free State, the opening of schools was delayed in Qwaqwa after the education MEC in the Free State called for teachers and pupils in the area to exercise caution during heavy rains.

In North West, residents living alongside the banks of the Vaal River were evacuated due to rising floodwaters.

On Wednesday Dr Mmaphaka Tau, head of the National Disaster Management Centre, issued a notice in the Government Gazette stating that he calls upon the organs of state to further strengthen support to existing structures to implement contingency arrangements and ensure that measures are put in place to enable the national executive to effectively deal with the effects of this disaster.

“Organs of state are required to prepare and submit reports, as required by the National Disaster Management Centre [NDMC] and in the case of a declaration, report to the respective intergovernmental forums,” read the notice.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) national spokesperson Lungi Mtshali said the heavy torrential rains that continue to batter some parts of South Africa, had caused flooding, which led to the destruction of property and important infrastructure.

“The NDMC is working closely with provinces and all affected organs of state and continues to receive reports on the extent of the damages caused by the recent torrential rains,” Mtshali said.

He said after consultation with all provinces and other relevant role-players on the extent of the damages caused by the storms and heavy rains, the NDMC had decided to classify the severe weather events as a national disaster.

A truck is pulled out of water in Ladysmith. Photo: Mandla Langa

“This classification is done to confirm that the situation is regarded as a disaster and is of a magnitude that exceeds the capacity of affected municipalities and provinces to deal with. It further assigns primary responsibility to the national sphere of government for the coordination and management of the disaster and enables organs of state in all spheres to assist in dealing with the disaster and its consequences,” Mtshali said.

“Members of the public are further urged to continue observing weather warnings as issued regularly by the South African Weather Service and also to practise safety measures in the face of continuing rains and resultant storms and flooding incidents. A special plea is particularly made to those who are located in low-lying areas to take precautionary measures including relocation away from those risky areas,” he said.

Cogta Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma on Wednesday said South Africa had received heavy torrential rains. 

“These rains continue to affect our communities negatively, with 82 fatalities reported to date, notably driven by drowning and lightning incidents. These threatening conditions call for an all-of-society and government approach to promote risk reduction and implement coordinated response measures. 

“Rain is most welcomed as it assists to address the challenges of water shortages in some parts of our country. Unfortunately, the heavy downpours have caused considerable damages to large parts of the country, thus limiting movement of people and causing flooding in some areas,” she said.

“Disaster teams across the country have been dispatched to various parts of the country and are working around the clock to assist communities. We will work together with all stakeholders to assist communities that are affected by the current rains. Relevant authorities will assess the situation and provide the necessary support to affected communities.”  

KZN Cogta MEC Sipho Hlomuka said 100 residents were evacuated from flooded areas in Ladysmith.

“According to disaster management teams, heavy rains in the catchment areas have led to the Tugela River bursting its banks over the weekend and affecting communities and towns located along its path,” he said.

He said the bridge linking Kranskop and Nkandla was submerged.

Hlomuka said the province has been experiencing inclement weather conditions since early December which left a trail of death and destruction.

In Chris Hani District Municipality (CHDM) in the Eastern Cape, CHDM spokesperson Bulelwa Ganyaza said 135 properties were damaged, rendering 50 families homeless. DM/OBP