South Africa is grappling with severe winter weather, including heavy snow, widespread floods, and gale-force winds, leading to significant disruption and multiple fatalities. A minibus carrying schoolchildren was swept away in the Eastern Cape, where seven other flood-related deaths have been confirmed. An additional five people died in a road accident, and nearly 500,000 homes across Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces are without electricity, with major roads closed.
South Africa hit by snow, floods and gale force winds causing havoc
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️South Africa is grappling with severe winter weather, including heavy snow, widespread floods, and gale-force winds, leading to significant disruption and multiple fatalities. A minibus carrying schoolchildren was swept away in the Eastern Cape, where seven other flood-related deaths have been confirmed. An additional five people died in a road accident, and nearly 500,000 homes across Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces are without electricity, with major roads closed.
Trending- 1 Recent days: South Africa hit by heavy snow, rains, and gale force winds.
- 2 Recent: Minibus carrying schoolchildren swept away in Eastern Cape.
- 3 Recent: Seven bodies found from floodwater in OR Tambo district.
- 4 Recent: Five people died in a road accident near East London.
- 5 June-August (annually): South Africa's typical winter months, with temperatures often below 0C and regular snowfall.
- 6 April 30 - May 2 (past): Previous flash floods caused significant damage to 4,500 homes and injured 18 people.
- Minibus carrying schoolchildren swept away by floods (3 found alive, rescue suspended)
- Seven people found dead from floodwater in OR Tambo district
- Five people died in a road accident due to weather conditions
- Nearly 500,000 homes without electricity across two provinces
- Closure of major roads, causing congestion and stranding lorries
- Difficult navigation for ships due to strong winds and heavy waves
What: South Africa is experiencing severe winter weather, including heavy snow, floods, and gale-force winds, causing widespread havoc, fatalities, and power outages.
When: Recently (article published June 10, 2025); during South Africa's winter months (June through August).
Where: South Africa, Eastern Cape province, OR Tambo district, KwaZulu-Natal province, East London (coastal city).
Why: Natural winter weather patterns, with scientists noting that climate change is contributing to heavier rainfall in the region.
How: Heavy snowfall, torrential rains, and strong winds have led to rivers overflowing, flash floods, road closures, and widespread electricity cuts. Grader machines are being used to clear snow.