Severe weather wreaked havoc across South Africa’s Western Cape province, causing extensive damage and claiming at least one life.
The onslaught of heavy winds, storms, and relentless rainfall prompted school and highway closures, particularly affecting the Cape Winelands, Overberg, and West Coast regions.
The unfortunate fatality occurred when a security officer, on patrol, was fatally struck by a tree uprooted during the storm. Additionally, wildfires fueled by the strong winds ravaged the Glencairne area, resulting in the destruction of at least eight homes.
Power outages left parts of Cape Town in darkness, prompting the deployment of emergency services by Western Cape Premier Alan Winde. The South African Weather Service issued high warnings, highlighting the risk of flooding in multiple regions, including KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. The recurring floods in KwaZulu-Natal have led to fatalities and significant property damage.