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FILE| Rain falling on an umbrella.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) says residents in the extreme northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) should brace themselves for more disruptive rainfall, which can exacerbate the flooding currently being experienced in some of the areas.
The weather service has issued a warning for disruptive rainfall which will continue in the region until Sunday.
Certain parts of Umhlabuyalingana, Nongoma and Jozini, are under pressure with water levels rising affecting houses, roads and low-lying bridges.
Weather forecaster Wiseman Dlamini says, “There is a warning that has been sent out as early as yesterday. It is valid for today and tomorrow morning. So, that rain is going to be a Yellow Level 2. And we are expecting rain to be very disruptive in those areas over the northern parts. This is mostly over Umkhanyakude District as well as Zululand District.”
Related video| SA Weather report- 17 January 2025:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQu-tUVMQDM
Weather warning for today & tomorrow, 17 – 18 January 2026. Disruptive Rain remains in place for the Lowveld of Mpumalanga, especially over Nkomazi, Bushbuckridge, and the City of Mbombela. On-and-off showers and periods of rain are still expected today & tomorrow. #saws pic.twitter.com/D9rShECKPr
— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) January 17, 2026
Meanwhile, the Red Cross Society, currently providing relief to flood victims at Jozini north of KZN says it has assessed 160 damaged houses 78 of which are totally destroyed.
The organisation is working with disaster management teams providing assistance to affected communities.
Parts of Umhlabuyalingana, Nongoma and Jozini are the worst affected.
Red Cross Society Provincial Manager, Siyabonga Hlatshwayo says, “We are conducting assessment. This is after many communities in the Jozini area experienced heavy rains that caused flooding and damages to many communities and houses. Currently, we managed to access 160 houses and out of these 160 houses 78 of them are totally damaged. We are bringing in relief to families who are affected. We are also appealing to the public to come forth to assist and support the families that have been affected. We are continuing with our assessments and distribution of relief but also there are communities that we cannot access due to the damage flooded roads.”
Related video| Authorities assess KZN rainfall damage, warn residents: Senzelwe Mzila
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rd9f_leEv1A
