KZN monitors severe weather as Sani Pass closes and storm damages homes in uMlalazi

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) is closely monitoring severe weather conditions across the province after heavy snowfall forced the closure of Sani Pass and a storm caused damage to homes in the uMlalazi Local Municipality. Heavy snowfall on the Lesotho side of Sani Pass has resulted in the immediate closure of the route. Motorists and travellers from KwaZulu-Natal intending to cross into Lesotho have been advised to postpone their journeys until the pass is declared safe. Meanwhile, a severe storm swept through the uMlalazi Local Municipality, uprooting trees and damaging residential roofs. The KZN Provincial Disaster Management Centre confirmed that emergency response teams have been deployed to affected areas. The full extent of the damage will be determined once formal assessments have been completed. As freezing conditions persist, KZN COGTA MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi has urged residents to take precautions when keeping warm. “We appeal to our communities to exercise extreme caution as they keep warm. If you are using braziers or generators, ensure they are operated safely and in well-ventilated spaces to avoid tragedy. Most importantly, protect our children, keep them far away from heat-producing appliances and never leave them unattended,” said Buthelezi. The Provincial Disaster Management Centre is working with municipalities across the province to ensure a rapid response to any weather-related incidents. Motorists have also been urged to exercise caution on slippery roads. Weather warnings The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for disruptive snow, leading to icy roads and traffic disruptions, expected over the north-eastern high-lying areas of the Eastern Cape. A Yellow Level 4 warning for wind and waves has been issued for the area between Plettenberg Bay and East London. The forecaster has also warned of very cold conditions over the southern Namakwa District in the Northern Cape as well as in places over the Eastern Cape interior.