Durban – The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has dispatched Disaster Management teams to Newcastle following a powerful storm that lashed the area on Sunday afternoon, causing widespread flooding and road closures.
In a statement issued on Sunday evening, COGTA confirmed that MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi had acted swiftly in response to the storm.
“MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi has swiftly dispatched Disaster Management teams to the Newcastle area,” the department said.
Several parts of Newcastle’s central business district (CBD) were inundated after the heavy downpour, with roads such as Ayliff Street, Kirkland Street, Scott & Bird Street, Patterson & Allen Street, and the section of Allen Street near KFC reported to be severely affected.
“Disaster Management teams are actively on the ground and have implemented road closures in affected areas for public safety,” COGTA added.
The department said assessments were underway to determine the full extent of the damage caused by the storm, while officials continued to monitor the situation closely.
MEC Buthelezi urged residents to prioritise safety and follow the guidance of emergency responders.
“We call on all residents in and around Newcastle to exercise extreme caution, especially when navigating roadways, and to heed the instructions of emergency personnel,” Buthelezi said.
Disaster Management teams have been dispatched to Newcastle in Northern KwaZulu-Natal. This following heavy downpours which caused flooding. Some roads have been temporarily closed for public safety. Cogta MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi has urged residents to exercise caution. #DStv403… pic.twitter.com/Bq3ZjKt9Uf
— eNCA (@eNCA) November 10, 2025
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of continued inclement weather across KwaZulu-Natal through Monday and Tuesday, including the possibility of more heavy rainfall. Authorities fear the worsening conditions could aggravate flooding in Newcastle and affect other parts of the province.
“This incoming weather system could exacerbate the current flooding situation in Newcastle and potentially impact other vulnerable areas across the province,” the department noted.
COGTA said Disaster Management teams across KwaZulu-Natal remain on high alert and ready to respond rapidly to any new developments.
Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and stay informed through official government communication channels.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: X/@KZNCOGTA
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
