Cape Town – The Cooperative Governance Department in KwaZulu-Natal has advised residents to stay indoors due to ongoing severe weather conditions.
Heavy snowfall on the N3 highway left many motorists stranded on Friday night, prompting the deployment of disaster management teams to provide assistance and humanitarian aid.
According to EWN, COGTA MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi emphasised the need for residents to remain at home until the weather improves and highlighted the importance of addressing climate change, given recent weather events.
“The warning is still that people must stay at home for the next few days, up until we can see weather improving,” the reort quoted Buthelezi as saying.
He added: “Climate change is reality and going forward as government we will now have to plan as to how we respond to these issues even before they happen.”
Meanwhile, the government on Sunday also advised against travel in areas affected by heavy snowfall across Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and Eastern Cape.
🌨#snowfall in #SouthAfrica.
For ten hours non-stop, snow fell in South Africa, covering roads and stopping traffic. People were waiting in their cars for help.
In some areas, up to two meters of snow fell. Forecasters say this is an extreme case. pic.twitter.com/XmMynpmsLj
— News.Az (@news_az) September 22, 2024
While most roads have been cleared and stranded motorists rescued, clean-up operations continue, particularly on the N3 toll route, which remains closed in parts, SA News reported.
“Citizens are urged to remain patient and cancel travel on closed routes,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said.
Authorities warned that hazardous conditions persisted due to abandoned trucks, melting snow, and mist.
Snowfall in Ladysmith, South Africa pic.twitter.com/2gHpMRshw1
— Ebrahim (@EBthewarrior) September 21, 2024
The government urged citizens to avoid travel on closed routes and to stay informed through local updates.
All ports of entry, except Sani Pass, had reopened on Sunday, while emergency teams continued to distribute aid and provide support.
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Picture: X/@EBthewarrior
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
