Media Statement

16 February 2017

Government calls communities to be on high alert as Tropical Cyclone Dineo

lands in South Africa

To many, the news an approaching Tropical Cyclone Dineo was unbelievable and to
some it was not real until it made landfall last night in Inhambane, southern
Mozambique. It was accompanied by strong winds exceeding 100km/hr as well as
torrential rainfall and rough seas.

Now South Africa (Mpumalanga, Northern KZN and Limpopo) is bracing itself for the
same devastating results as seen in Mozambique last night. The rain from this system
has now started affecting the north-eastern parts of South Africa from this morning.
Rain has already begun in the Ehlanzeni District Municipality of Mpumalanga and it is
expected to become heavy as the night continues and spreading through other areas.

The areas to be directly affected per district are in Ehlanzeni (Mbombela, Nkomazi
and Bushbuckridge), Mopani (Phalaborwa, Tzaneen, Giyani and Maruleng) and
Vhembe (Malamulele, Musina and Thulamela). This storms and rains will continue
until late Saturday (18 Feb 2017).

The expected level of impact will be severe with rain of up to 200mm in 24 hours still
expected and the wind speed of just below 100km/h. The likely impact are widespread
flooding that could result in damage to roads and bridges, thus cutting off communities,
displace others and straining the emergency services. Communities are warned about
the dangers that the cyclone poses and are urged to be careful and take precautions
as complacency might lead to loss of life.

Recognising that failure to respond rapidly in a coordinated and coherent manner,

might lead to more destruction, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence
Structure (NATJOINTS) comprising of various government departments and
institutions (eg. COGTA, SAPS, SANDF, GCIS and SAWS) was constituted. The
NATJOINTS has developed a plan that is currently being implemented, working in
tandem with all the affected provinces. The three Provincial Joint Operational and
Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS) of Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal
are complementing the work of the National JOINTS. The KZN PROVJOINTS has

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been activated as a precaution, as there is a chance of being impacted by heavy
rainfall in the northern parts of the province.

All the disaster management teams are ready and we are also encouraged by the fact
that other Provinces like Gauteng, Free State, Western Cape and North West pledged
assist the affected provinces where the need arises by providing specialized
emergency services. It is important to note that even if government can be ready, the
success of the plans being implemented requires community to cooperate and adhere
to the tips issued.

The following tips are important:

a) Parents, care givers and guardians are urged to ensure the safety of their
children during the storms. In case of going to school, it is important to ensure
that they are safe and do not cross flooded roads, bridges and rivers.
b) Communities are therefore requested not to cross flooded roads, low lying
bridges and rivers. It is also important for people not to underestimate the power
of moving water, especially flooded rivers.
c) Be especially cautious at night when its harder to recognize flood dangers.
d) If walking outdoors, avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is
above your ankles.
e) Just 6 centimetres of fast-moving flood water can knock a person off their feet,
and a depth of 2 meters is enough to float a car.
f) Never try to walk, swim or drive through fast-moving flood water. Stop, turn
around and go another way.
g) Listen to the special warnings on radio and/or television
h) Abandon your home immediately guided by relevant authorities if evacuation is
recommended, before access is cut off by flood water.
i) Never drive into water covering the road. You would not know how deep it is or
if the road has been washed away.
j) If the vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground

The NATJOC and all other teams dealing with disaster management will continue to
monitor any further developments relating to this cyclone and storms. Updates will be
issued as and when necessary through various communication channels. Government
urges communities to regularly follow developments through Radio, TV and other
communication channels as this will assist to keep them safe.

Updated information can also be found at

www.weathersa.co.za
www.cogta.gov.za.

Enquiries:

Legadima Leso
CoGTA Communication
083 378 9495

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