Cold snap to persist for most of the week

The South African Weather Service says the cold weather temperatures are expected to continue until Wednesday, as the winter season makes landfall.

Gauteng residents have also been warned of possible thunderstorms and heavy rain, which could possibly lead to localised flooding.

Speaking to YNews, forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela says temperatures will likely peak later in the week.

He says there could be flash floods that could have detrimental effects for the infrastructure.

The drop in temperatures across the country is expected to persist for the winter period.

The Johannesburg Emergency Services has urged citizens to use heating devices responsibly, while the country’s weather service warns that heavy rains and thunderstorms could possibly lead to localised flooding in Gauteng.

EMS spokesperson, Robert Mulaudzi, says they remain on high alert overnight monitoring all seven regions of the city, especially informal settlements since they are the most vulnerable communities during extremely cold temperatures.

Coastal areas of the Eastern Cape have also been experiencing heavy rains with areas, including Kariega, left in ruins.

Seven people have died in the area due to the devastating floods while the search continues for another person who is believed to have been washed away by the waters.

More than 2 000 others have been displaced by the heavy rains that wreaked havoc in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro over the weekend.

Videos have been circulating on social media, showing roads being flooded as well as vehicles and houses submerged.

Cogta MEC, Zolile Williams, says it will cost the province millions of rands to repair the damaged infrastructure.

 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent his condolences to the families of the seven people who lost their lives in the floods.

“The loss of life, destruction of public infrastructure, and the loss of personal property brought about by the forces of nature saddens all of us as South Africans. The aftermath of these occurrences is best overcome when we work together in the way we are seeing in the Eastern Cape,” says the President.

Ramaphosa has also commended the authorities, communities, and NGOs for their rescue and recovery efforts, including the rehousing of displaced families.

Areas mostly affected include Buffalo City, Qunu, Langa and Greenfields.