Charles Esther
Severe weather has caused widespread power outages across KwaZulu-Natal, leaving many communities in the dark and Eskom working around the clock to respond.
Eskom KZN reported on Tuesday that several parts of the province are experiencing electricity disruptions following intense rainfall, strong winds, and unexpected snowfall.
The power utility confirmed that nearly two dozen regions have been impacted, prompting emergency responses in affected zones.
List of Areas Affected by Eskom KZN Power Outages
Power outages have been confirmed in the following areas: Empangeni, Melmoth, Inkosi Mtubatuba, Ulundi, and Hluhluwe.
Other impacted towns include Jozini, Nongoma, Eshowe, Bergville, and Ladysmith.
The outages extend to Ingagane, Paulpietersburg, Ixopo, Kokstad, Cedarville, Franklin, and Umzimkhulu.
Bulwer, Lamington, Harding, Ingeli, Paddock, Edendale, and Riverdale have also reported disruptions in electricity supply.
Eskom Responds Swiftly to Restore Power
Eskom released a public statement assuring residents that technical teams have been deployed to restore power in accessible areas.
Due to dangerous conditions caused by the storm, some repairs may take longer to complete.
“We understand the inconvenience and frustration this situation causes,” Eskom said in its statement.
“We appeal to our customers for patience and understanding as we work to restore power safely and as quickly as possible.”
Residents Urged to Stay Safe During Storm Conditions
Eskom has issued a safety warning, asking residents to stay away from any fallen cables, damaged electrical poles, or exposed wiring.
These hazards can pose a significant risk, especially in wet or snowy conditions.
Citizens are advised to report such dangers immediately to local emergency services or Eskom’s official reporting platforms.
The utility also emphasized the importance of not attempting to fix or approach electrical infrastructure without proper training.
Heavy Rain, Winds, and Snowfall Batter KwaZulu-Natal
Tuesday’s severe weather brought unusual snowfall to parts of KZN, a rare event that compounded the impact of rain and wind.
These conditions have led to infrastructure damage and transportation disruptions across the province.
Weather experts warn that further unstable weather is expected in the coming days, which may delay restoration efforts in some regions.
Emergency services remain on high alert, and residents are encouraged to follow all weather updates and safety advisories.
Eskom Shares Updates via Social Media and Public Channels
Eskom has been providing regular updates through its official Twitter account, @Eskom_SA, and other communication platforms.
Their recent post confirmed the scope of the outages and reiterated the company’s commitment to resolving the crisis.
Hashtags like #EskomKZN and #PowerOutages are being used to track the latest information and community responses online.
Report Any Damage or Hazardous Conditions Immediately
If you notice any downed power lines or damaged electrical infrastructure, report it immediately to Eskom or your local authorities.
Do not approach or touch any cables, even if they appear inactive or harmless.
