South Africa is reeling from the devastating effects of a powerful winter storm that has brought extreme weather to several provinces, with the Eastern Cape province bearing the brunt. At least seven people have been confirmed dead due to flash flooding, while rescue operations continue for others still missing.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) had earlier issued alerts about a dangerous cold front that began sweeping through the country over the weekend, bringing heavy rains, snow, icy temperatures, and widespread disruption. While snowfall is not uncommon in the country’s mountainous regions during winter, the intensity of this particular storm has left communities reeling and prompted national concern.
Eastern Cape, one of the regions most affected, has experienced torrential rainfall leading to overflowing rivers, flooded roads, and the collapse of vital infrastructure. Authorities have warned that the death toll could rise as search and rescue efforts continue under challenging conditions.
Among the most tragic incidents reported was the disappearance of a school minibus taxi believed to be carrying a group of learners. The vehicle was swept away by raging floodwaters early Tuesday morning in one of the hardest-hit districts. Emergency services rushed to the scene and managed to rescue three children alive, but the fate of the remaining passengers remains uncertain. Efforts were temporarily suspended at nightfall due to poor visibility and safety concerns, with rescue teams expected to resume the search at first light.
“We are doing everything in our power to locate the missing,” said a spokesperson for the Eastern Cape’s provincial disaster management unit. “The situation is dire, and we appeal to the public to avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas. Our teams are stretched, but they are determined.”
Local residents have described scenes of devastation as rivers burst their banks and homes were flooded. Some families were forced to flee their residences in the middle of the night, seeking shelter on higher ground or in emergency relief centers.
“It happened so fast. We heard the water rushing, and within minutes it was in our house,” said Nomvula Thobela, a resident of Mthatha. “We didn’t even have time to grab anything. We just ran.”
The Eastern Cape’s provincial government has confirmed that road closures are widespread, with several key routes rendered impassable due to landslides and high water levels. Emergency responders, including police, fire services, and community volunteers, are working around the clock to rescue stranded residents and deliver relief supplies to isolated communities.
Meanwhile, nearly half a million homes across South Africa were left without electricity as a result of storm-related damage to the national grid. Power utility Eskom reported numerous incidents of downed power lines and substation failures, particularly in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and parts of the Free State.
“Our technicians are working tirelessly to restore power where it is safe to do so,” Eskom said in a statement. “However, access remains a significant challenge in flooded or snow-covered areas.”
The South African Weather Service has reiterated its warnings for ongoing severe conditions. Snowfall, icy roads, and plummeting temperatures are expected to persist in some areas through mid-week, increasing the risk of hypothermia and complicating relief efforts.
Meteorologist Puseletso Mofokeng explained, “This is one of the strongest cold fronts we’ve seen in years. It brought sub-zero temperatures to higher elevations and significant rainfall to low-lying areas. Unfortunately, the combination of these elements has created extremely hazardous conditions.”
Humanitarian organizations, including the South African Red Cross, have mobilized in response to the crisis, distributing blankets, food parcels, and medical aid to displaced families. Relief shelters have been established in schools and community halls for those whose homes were inundated or destroyed.
The government has urged all citizens to follow updates from official channels and refrain from spreading misinformation. It also encouraged residents in flood-prone zones to prepare emergency kits and evacuate if advised by authorities.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, currently attending engagements in Pretoria, expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and thanked rescue workers for their bravery. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and the suffering caused by these storms,” he said in a statement. “I have instructed all relevant government departments to prioritize support for affected communities and ensure that no effort is spared in the rescue operations still underway.”
The Presidency has not yet declared a state of disaster, but officials confirmed that the National Disaster Management Centre is closely monitoring developments and may issue further directives if the situation deteriorates.
Climate scientists and environmental advocates have also weighed in, warning that extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common due to global climate change. South Africa, like many countries, is facing the effects of rising global temperatures, unpredictable rainfall patterns, and increasingly volatile weather systems.
“This is not just a freak storm. It’s part of a broader pattern we’re seeing worldwide,” said Dr. Teboho Nkosi, a climate researcher at the University of Cape Town. “Governments must begin to invest more in climate resilience, early warning systems, and disaster preparedness, especially for vulnerable provinces like the Eastern Cape.”
As South Africa braces for additional cold and wet conditions in the coming days, communities are urged to remain alert and prioritize safety. With emergency teams still scouring flood zones for survivors, and families mourning the lives already lost, the impact of this storm will likely be felt long after the skies clear.
