Ramaphosa urges South Africans to exercise caution amid severe weather
JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged South Africans to exercise caution during these inclement weather conditions.
At least nine people have died in the Eastern Cape as a result of flood-related incidents.
In addition, over 80 homes have been destroyed in different parts of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) due to the severe weather conditions.
Presidential Spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said the national, provincial, and municipal authorities were ready to respond to any other crises.
'These incidents and others that may unfold during winter highlight the need for South Africans to display caution, care and cooperation as the worst impacts of winter weather take effect across the country.'
ALSO READ: EC Health Dept sends more rescue personnel to help teams in flooded Mthatha areas
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
TimesLIVE
6 hours ago
- TimesLIVE
Government bans import of halephirimi with immediate effect
Ntshaveni said this was after a report presented by the Ministerial Advisory Council on foodborne illnesses. 'Soweto was specific to determine the exposure but only the children remained in the setting. The possibility that the children consumed food contaminated with organophosphate purchased from a shop remains the most viable explanation.' The ban will be accompanied by a suite of enforcement measures, while broader consultations are under way to identify safer alternatives to halephirimi that will ensure food security and provide options for farmers. Meanwhile, Ntshaveni warned residents to remain vigilant as the death toll from floods in the Eastern Cape rose to 57. She said recent weather patterns were unlike what South Africans were accustomed to. 'Due to the severe effects of climate change, we are experiencing extreme snowfall, heavy rainfall, flooding and cold weather that are not normal. Precautions are essential; we do not want to count more victims of these extreme weather conditions. 'We urge everyone to check the weather forecast before travelling, especially during snowfall. We do not want a repeat of what happened when people were trapped at the entry gate to KwaZulu-Natal.'
The Herald
12 hours ago
- The Herald
Eight bodies recovered from school bus swept away by Mthatha floods
At least eight bodies have been recovered after a school bus was swept away by floods near Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, officials said on Wednesday. South Africa has been lashed by heavy rain and snow since the weekend, in a severe winter cold front which disrupted transport and power networks. 'It is a sad thing and the search is still going on,' Eastern Cape community safety official Xolile Nqatha told Newzroom Afrika. Three children were rescued from the bus, President Cyril Ramaphosa's office said. 'President Ramaphosa offers his condolences to the bereaved families, affected communities and Eastern Cape residents,' a statement said. Flooding has become more common and severe in South Africa as the impacts of climate change are felt. A storm on the east coast in April 2022 killed about 400 people and left thousands homeless. Reuters
IOL News
14 hours ago
- IOL News
Weather Update: What to expect for the rest of the week
What South Africans can expect from the weather for the rest of the week, including clear skies, colder temperatures, and isolated showers along the coast South Africa is in for a crisp and mostly stable end to the week as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) forecasts fine weather conditions across the country, with isolated showers confined mainly to the east coast and colder air sweeping in from the interior. On Thursday, no severe weather alerts have been issued. Most parts of the country will enjoy clear skies and calm conditions, with De Aar, Kimberley, and Bloemfontein under bright sunshine. The only notable rainfall is expected along the KwaZulu-Natal coast, particularly around Durban and Richards Bay, where a 30% chance of light coastal showers is forecast. Morning fog patches and low clouds will hug parts of Gauteng, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga, but these are expected to clear as the day progresses. Light to moderate winds will accompany the day, with Cape Agulhas, Port Elizabeth, and Cape Town seeing gusts of up to 30 km/h.
