Hundreds of motorists were left stranded in KZN and parts of the Free State after a disastrous response to Arctic-like weather conditions, which left one person dead.
As KwaZulu-Natal faces the possibility of more snowfall in the coming days, it is imperative that the provincial authorities act swiftly and decisively to avoid a repeat of last weekend’s chaos.
Hundreds of motorists were left stranded in KZN and parts of the Free State after a disastrous response to Arctic-like weather conditions, which left one person dead.
While the SA Weather Service has predicted that the inclement weather expected on Monday and Tuesday will not reach the crisis levels of last week, we cannot afford to be complacent.
Disaster management teams in the province must be fully prepared for any eventuality.
The crisis that unfolded on the N3, where thousands of motorists were trapped by heavy snowfall, is a stark reminder of the devastation that can occur when authorities fail to act in time.
While we commend the province for its advanced weather warning systems, this alone is not enough. Detailed information on how to respond to such extreme conditions must be provided to the public so that everyone is adequately prepared and can take steps to protect themselves and their families.
It is crucial that the government’s disaster management unit takes the lead in advising people on how to stay safe during heavy rain and snowfall.
With schools reopening this week after the September holidays, many families will be on the roads, potentially facing hazardous conditions.
Authorities must issue clear, actionable guidance on what to do if caught in extreme weather, how to avoid unnecessary travel, and what emergency supplies should be kept on hand. Moreover, they must ensure that road closures are communicated well in advance and that emergency services are deployed quickly in areas most at risk of being affected by snow and heavy rain.
The human toll of last week’s weather event, particularly the tragic loss of life, cannot be ignored.
We must learn from these experiences and ensure that everything possible is done to protect people. As we prepare for the possibility of further snow, the provincial government must take every precaution to ensure lives are not lost, and that last weekend’s chaos remains a lesson, not a legacy.
The Mercury
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