Following South African Weather Service warnings of severe thunderstorms and rains through the festive season, inclement weather has claimed two lives, left three missing, and prompted widespread relief operations in provinces including KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
Severe weather over the 21-22 December weekend has caused two confirmed deaths and major disruptions across South Africa. In KwaZulu-Natal's Ugu District, one person died in Nyandezulu, with three others missing after their car was swept away in flash floods in Amanzimtoti, according to MEC Siboniso Duma.
In Gauteng, a man in his early thirties was found dead beside a swollen river in Olievenhoutbosch Extension 19 on 21 December. Tshwane Emergency Management Services' Tebogo Maake reported firefighters confirmed no signs of life after an 8am distress call, with condolences extended and the incident under police investigation.
Storms have brought flooding to areas like Centurion, Temba, Hammanskraal, Olievenhoutbosch, and the N14 Highway in Tshwane, where a landslide occurred. Gift of the Givers is aiding devastated communities in the Eastern Cape (over 200 families in King William’s Town), as well as Middledrift, Lady Grey, Diepsloot, and Mpumalanga, providing food, blankets, hygiene items, and water. Spokesperson Ali Sablay noted the bleak outlook for affected families.
Meteorologist Lehlohonolo Thobela's prior warnings of ongoing showers and thunderstorms remain in effect through 23 December. Authorities urge avoiding floodwaters and monitoring updates.
