Severe Weather to continue across South Africa

Severe Weather to continue across South Africa! South Africans should brace for continued adverse weather conditions as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued warnings of severe thunderstorms and scattered showers in several parts of the country.

On Monday, March 18, 2025, multiple provinces, including North West, Free State, Northern Cape, Gauteng, and KwaZulu-Natal, are expected to experience heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds.

The latest warnings come as many parts of the country have already been battered by extreme weather in recent weeks, with KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and Gauteng among the hardest-hit provinces.

KwaZulu-Natal Declared a Disaster Area

KwaZulu-Natal has been particularly affected, with significant infrastructure damage and loss of life reported.

Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, confirmed that the province has now been officially classified as a disaster-affected area due to the ongoing devastation caused by heavy rains and flooding.

“The bad weather conditions have affected the two provinces, but the worst is KwaZulu-Natal in terms of infrastructure damage and human lives lost over the past few days as the rains are continuing,” said Hlabisa.

The government has been receiving constant updates from COGTA in KwaZulu-Natal, and the latest reports indicate that the situation remains dire, with more flooding anticipated.

Emergency Response Efforts Underway

The disaster classification means that all government departments and agencies must mobilize resources to assist affected communities.

Hlabisa assured the public that authorities are prioritizing the evacuation of people living in flood-prone areas, ensuring that those in immediate danger are moved to safer locations.

“We are collecting data on the damage caused to infrastructure so that we can approach the Treasury-General for financial assistance to help rebuild and restore essential services,” he added.

Government teams are currently conducting assessments of roads, bridges, homes, and public facilities to determine the full extent of the damage.

Gauteng and Other Provinces Also Affected

Gauteng has also been hit hard by the heavy rains, with localized flooding reported in several areas.

Authorities are urging residents in low-lying areas to remain on high alert as more rainfall and possible flash floods are expected.

Other provinces, including North West, Free State, and Northern Cape, will also experience severe thunderstorms and scattered showers throughout the week.

SAWS has warned that the risk of flooding, road damage, and power outages remains high in these regions.

Residents Urged to Take Precautions

In response to the ongoing crisis, officials are urging residents to take extra precautions during this period of extreme weather.

People are advised to:

• Avoid crossing flooded roads and rivers, as the water may be deeper and stronger than it appears.
• Refrain from unnecessary travel, especially at night when visibility is low.
• Ensure that homes are properly secured, with drainage systems clear of debris to prevent water buildup.
• Stay updated with official weather alerts from SAWS and emergency services.

Emergency response teams are on high alert, and residents are encouraged to report flooding, damaged infrastructure, or stranded individuals to local authorities.

Economic and Social Impact

The ongoing severe weather is not only affecting people’s safety and infrastructure but also having a significant impact on the economy.

Farmers in flooded regions are reporting crop damage, which could lead to food shortages and higher prices in the coming months.

Businesses, especially in rural areas, are struggling with disruptions in transport and electricity supply, further affecting livelihoods and employment.

Government’s Commitment to Disaster Relief

The South African government has reaffirmed its commitment to disaster relief and recovery efforts, with funding and emergency aid being allocated to the most affected regions.

Authorities are working closely with humanitarian organizations, private sector partners, and international aid agencies to ensure a swift response to the crisis.

As the severe weather continues, South Africans are urged to remain vigilant, follow safety guidelines, and report emergencies to the relevant authorities.