Despite the Black South Easter, brought on by the cut off low forecast by SAWS (South African Weather Services), affecting parts of the Western Cape and beyond, heavy rain thunderstorms forcast and experienced around the coast and inland, NSRI has not been required to respond to any critical weather related incidents at sea, or on inland waters over this weekend, but our NSRI volunteer crews remain on high alert to assist DRM (Disaster Risk Management), Police and the emergency services as and when necessary.
We are appealing to the public, both inland and the maritime community to follow SAWS for updates.
The SAWS forecast Level 6 alert for wind and sea conditions and Level 9 alert for rain conditions, for parts of the Western Cape and beyond, appears to still be in place – by SAWS – and is being monitored by authorities, and we are appealing to everyone to have safety Top of Mind.
Do not attempt to wade through fast flowing rivers – Do not attempt to drive, cross through, bridges submerged in water or bodies of water on roadways.
We commend the efforts by DRM, Police and the emergency services for their swift response to (where) flooding has occurred and where strong winds has affected dwellings and communities.
In cooperation with SAWS, DRM, the SA Police Services and the emergency services we are appealing to the public to remain safe during adverse weather and follow SAWS updates.
We are also commending the boating, sailing and commercial seafaring maritime community for their safe approach to sea going activities during this storm.
NSRI communications are still gathering information on a few incidents that our NSRI volunteers assisted with over the weekend and we will post shortly.
NSRI volunteer rescue stations has used this weather pattern for training purposes, approaching safely, but to make best use of the adverse weather to use for training to physically encounter the kinds of conditions we normally experience when responding to sea going emergencies and inland swift water emergencies.
All services remain on high alert to respond to emergencies.
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Fun South African Fact: South Africa’s drinking water is rated 3rd best in the world for being “safe and ready to drink”.
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Fun South African Fact: South Africa is known as the “Rainbow Nation” thanks to its mix of cultures across the country. The status of being a cultural “melting pot” is evident in the fact that South Africa has a whopping 11 official languages: English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, isiXhosa, IsiNdebele, Sesotho, Northern Sotho, Setswana, SiSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga. Most South Africans speak more than one national language. IsiZulu is the most common first language and isiXhosa is second. Fun fact – did you know the people of Wakanda speak isiXhosa in Marvel’s Black Panther movie?