Mop-up operations were under way in Newcastle on Monday after hail and heavy rain flooded parts of the central business district, while KwaZulu-Natal placed disaster teams on high alert after a Level 4 severe thunderstorm warning was issued.

The provincial Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), led by MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, said the warning from the South African Weather Service covers wide areas of the province and follows Sunday’s storm that damaged roads, businesses and homes in Newcastle.

Key streets in the Newcastle CBD — including Ayliff, Kirkland, Scott and Bird, Patterson and Allen, and Allen near KFC — were temporarily closed, Cogta said.

The routes have since reopened after clean-up operations by disaster management teams and the Newcastle Municipality.

Damage assessments are continuing, with reports of impacts to government offices, homes, vehicles and an old-age home. Disaster teams have been deployed to assist residents and restore essential services.

“We are grateful for the swift action taken by our disaster management teams in Newcastle,” said Buthelezi.

“Their dedication has ensured that affected communities receive timely support. I appeal to all residents, particularly those in low-lying and flood-prone areas, to exercise caution. Seek shelter on higher ground and avoid crossing flooded roads or bridges. Public safety remains our utmost priority,” he said.

The Level 4 warning applies to parts of Amajuba (Newcastle, Dannhauser, eMadlangeni), uThukela (Alfred Duma, Inkosi Langalibalele, Okhahlamba), Harry Gwala (Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Greater Kokstad, uMzimkhulu), uMgungundlovu (Msunduzi, uMngeni, Mpofana, uMshwathi, iMpendle), Umzinyathi (uMvoti, uMsinga, Nquthu) and Zululand (Abaqulusi, eDumbe, eNdumeni, Ulundi, Nongoma), as well as Nkandla and uMuziwabantu.

The department said residents should avoid crossing rivers or flooded roads, stay indoors and away from windows during thunderstorms, and not seek shelter under trees or near metal structures.

The public was told to monitor official updates from Cogta and the South African Weather Service.

INSIDE METROS

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