The South African Weather Service (SAWS) warned of the powerful cut-off low-pressure system that brought cold, wet and windy weather.
Image: Supplied
Condolences poured in following the death of social worker Lauren Fredericks who was killed when a tree fell on her car while on her way to conduct assessments of residents evacuated due to adverse weather conditions in Knysna.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) warned of the powerful cut-off low-pressure system that brought cold, wet and windy weather.
It said rainfall could become particularly intense over parts of the Western and Eastern Cape, where some areas may record more than 100 to 200mm over 24 hours.
“Disruptive rainfall, leading to widespread flooding of roads and settlements, mudslides, major traffic disruptions, and damage to roads and bridges, is possible,” SAWS warned.
“Members of the public and stakeholders are strongly urged to continuously monitor official SAWS forecasts and warnings."
Social Development MEC Jaco Londt expressed his condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Fredericks.
Fredericks, who joined the Knysna office as a social auxiliary worker in August 2021, was on her way to conduct assessments of residents who were evacuated in the area due to adverse weather conditions. Shortly after stopping, a tree fell on the car.
“I am deeply saddened by this loss. Ms Fredericks had a love for community work and was part of the office’s disaster management response team. Our thoughts are with her family - particularly her young son - friends and colleagues during this difficult time.
“I further wish to acknowledge all frontline workers, including DSD staff, who continue to support and assist vulnerable residents during the current adverse weather conditions,” Londt said.
Education MEC David Maynier said around 89 000 learners were at home on Wednesday as 125 schools in the Eden and Central Karoo Education District were closed due to the heavy rainfall and severe weather conditions.
He said the schools will remain closed Thursday.
"Our default position is always to keep schools open and only close schools in exceptional circumstances, but we made the decision based on the severity of the warnings in place.
"We have already received reports of damage to a number of schools, and we will provide support to schools to have damage repaired as soon as possible.We will continuously monitor and evaluate the situation to ensure that schools can reopen as soon as possible," said Maynier.
Trees have been uprooted due to adverse weather conditions in the Garden Route region.
Image: Supplied
Spokesperson for Local Government MEC Anton Bredell, Wouter Kriel said localised evacuations have taken place in high-risk areas.
Communities receiving support include residents along the Slang River in Plettenberg Bay, the Klaarstroom informal settlement, Wittedrift, and Leeu-Gamka.
"Community halls have been activated to provide shelter, along with the distribution of food, water, and essential supplies," Kriel said.
Eskom has also reported multiple electricity faults due to the severe weather, with repair teams working to restore power as quickly as possible.
"Disaster response efforts continue to be coordinated through the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, in collaboration with municipalities and partner agencies. Measures include the deployment of emergency and rescue personnel, traffic management and road closures, humanitarian relief provision, and continuous monitoring of weather systems, dam levels, and river flows."
Cape Times