South African authorities have issued orange level weather warnings in two provinces as the country continues to grapple with freezing temperatures, heavy rain and devastating snow.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) announced on Tuesday that parts of the Eastern Cape are currently under an Orange Level 6 warning due to dangerous snowfall and strong winds. KwaZulu-Natal has also been placed under Orange Level 5, which warns of dangerous rainfall and possible flooding. The warnings indicate significant weather threats that could pose risks to public safety and infrastructure.
Johannesburg is currently experiencing what has been described as its coldest day of the year. Emergency and disaster management teams are on high alert and actively monitoring the situation for weather emergencies.
Tragically, five people lost their lives in three separate fire-related incidents in Johannesburg on Monday. According to the city’s Emergency Management Services (EMS) spokesman Robert Mulaudzi, the victims were trying to keep warm by using open fires.
“We are deeply concerned about the dangers posed by extreme winter weather conditions. We continue to urge residents to use heating devices such as heaters and barbecues with extreme caution,” Mulaudzi warned.
Fires have broken out in several areas, including Mayfair, Bramfischer and Mapetla in Soweto, destroying many homes.
South African officials continue to monitor changing weather conditions and urge the public to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions during the ongoing cold spell.