KZN parents urged to keep children home amid severe weather conditions
KZN parents urged to keep children home amid severe weather conditions! Parents in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) are being urged not to send their children to school during periods of inclement weather, following a level five orange weather warning issued by the South African Weather Service. The warning comes as the province braces for intensified rainfall and thundershowers, which could lead to localised flooding and present serious risks to public safety.
The Warning: Heavy Rain and Localised Flooding
The call to keep children safe comes after KZN’s recent weather challenges, which have already caused significant damage. A previous round of floods, which claimed the lives of 11 people and led to widespread home damage, has left the province on high alert. Several roads around the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality also faced closures due to the damage caused by these adverse weather conditions.
The orange level five warning issued by the South African Weather Service predicts heavy rains and severe thundershowers in multiple districts across the province, including uMdoni, eThekwini, uMkhambathini, Ray Nkonyeni, and uMzumbe municipalities. These areas are likely to be the worst affected, with localized flooding expected in urban and rural areas alike.
The Plea from KZN’s COGTA MEC
In light of these conditions, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) MEC for KZN, urged parents to prioritize their children’s safety during severe weather events. Buthelezi emphasized the importance of heeding safety advisories and not forcing children to travel to school if weather conditions are unsafe.
“The weather is unpredictable and severe,” said Buthelezi in his statement. “We are urging parents to use their discretion and keep their children at home if they are in areas where the weather conditions are dangerous. The safety of our children is paramount, and we will support parents making these decisions based on their local circumstances.“
Activation of Disaster Management Teams
To manage the impact of the severe weather, KZN’s disaster management teams have been activated. Thulasizwe Buthelezi confirmed that authorities were closely monitoring the unfolding situation and prepared to respond quickly to any emergencies that may arise. The province’s teams are working in close coordination with local governments, emergency services, and community organizations to address the challenges posed by the storm.
Senzelwe Mzila, the spokesperson for KZN COGTA, also issued a statement urging residents, particularly those in the affected areas, to stay vigilant. “The Province of KZN continues to experience inclement weather conditions,” Mzila said. “The weather service has issued a level five weather warning for heavy rains and severe thundershowers in key areas. We urge all residents in these regions to take necessary precautions, especially with the potential for local flooding.”
Flooding Risks and Road Closures
The threat of localised flooding is a particular concern for residents living in areas prone to waterlogging and damage from storms. Already, some roads in eThekwini and surrounding areas have been closed due to flooding, and officials are concerned that the incoming storm could worsen these conditions. This makes transportation risky, particularly for school children traveling to and from classes.
In addition to urging parents to keep their children at home, local authorities have also called on residents to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain. The danger of slippery roads, rising water levels, and poor visibility means that only essential trips should be made. Authorities have advised that anyone who must travel should do so cautiously and be prepared for possible delays or detours due to road closures.
Impact on Schools and Education
While many schools have already made adjustments to their schedules in anticipation of the heavy rains, the weather disruptions continue to pose a challenge for educators, parents, and students alike. Schools in the worst-affected areas may experience delays in opening or closures depending on the extent of flooding and road damage.
The KZN Department of Education has expressed its support for the advice from COGTA, urging schools to stay in close contact with local authorities and keep parents informed about any changes to school schedules.
Community Preparedness and Advice
Community preparedness is also being emphasized, with local leaders and organizations encouraged to distribute sandbags to prevent flooding and ensure drainage systems are clear. Residents are also being advised to check their homes for any potential water hazards and secure outdoor items that may become hazardous in high winds or heavy rainfall.
With the rain and thundershowers expected to last for several days, officials are continuing to monitor the situation closely and have promised to provide updates as new information becomes available. Residents are urged to follow local news and weather updates for the latest safety advice.
Conclusion: Safety First
In the wake of this weather warning, the priority for all residents of KwaZulu-Natal is to remain safe and prepared. Parents are urged to be cautious when deciding whether or not to send children to school and to always err on the side of caution when facing severe weather conditions. The safety of children, particularly in the face of potential floods, should be the top priority during this challenging period.
