Unseasonably heavy snowfall battered South Africa over the weekend, resulting in the tragic deaths of two individuals from hypothermia. The victims were stranded in their vehicles on the N3 highway, a crucial route connecting Johannesburg to the coastal city of Durban. One of the deceased was a 39-year-old woman trapped in a minibus.
The provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Free State were the hardest hit, with officials issuing warnings of potential flooding as the snow begins to melt. Many farmers have reported that their crops were buried under snow for two consecutive days.
Emergency Response Efforts
Emergency services have been working tirelessly to assist motorists, towing dozens of stranded trucks and vehicles, while providing food and warm drinks to those stuck for extended periods. Motorists are being urged to exercise caution on cleared roads.
Impact on Education and Community Safety
Schools in KwaZulu-Natal have been closed, and local officials, including provincial minister for cooperative governance Thulasizwe Buthelezi, cautioned that communities near the Tugela River should remain vigilant for possible flooding. Parents are advised to keep children away from unguarded water bodies during this period.