Six South Africans have died as flooding, strong winds and snowfall continue to wreak havoc across parts of the country, prompting President Cyril Ramaphosa to urge communities to exercise caution.
Ramaphosa expressed condolences to the families of the six victims in Eastern Cape province and praised businesses, charities and rescue teams for their efforts.
“This is a time where we need to take care of ourselves in our homes and reach out to neighbours and friends who need help of any kind,” Ramaphosa said on Wednesday.
He added: “We also need to exercise caution on our roads when travelling for work or leisure, or as we get out in nature where we may want to see such sights as snowfalls or flooded rivers.”
The South African Weather Service has issued a Level 9 warning for heavy rain and thunderstorms, particularly affecting Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.
The low-pressure system, responsible for the bitter cold and flooding, has intensified across the interior of the country.
Authorities earlier this week closed major roads, including the main highway linking Cape Town to Durban, due to heavy snowfall.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation has also warned drivers to take extra precautions, as icy conditions grip KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.
JN/APA