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A second cold front has now made landfall in parts of the Western Cape, bringing with it more heavy downpours and gale force winds.
Government has classified severe weather conditions ravaging some parts of the country as a national disaster. The affected provinces include the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, North West, Free State, the Northern Cape and Mpumalanga.
On Sunday, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) spokesperson Legadima Leso said, “The classification follows widespread severe weather conditions experienced from 4 May 2026, including heavy rainfall, flooding, thunderstorms, damaging winds and snowfall across the Western Cape, North West, Free State, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and Mpumalanga provinces.”
The National Disaster Management Centre said the classification of this disaster will enable government to intensify coordination and strengthen ongoing response and recovery efforts across all spheres of government.
Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul has welcomed the decision.
His spokesperson, Naledi Gaosekwe, says the declaration will help to enhance assistance programmes that are already underway.
Meanwhile, a strong storm front is expected to make landfall in the Western Cape on Monday and persist until Tuesday.
High waves of up to 6m to 8m in certain areas, as well as gale force wind, with gusts of up to 140km per hour, are possible. The first of two cold fronts made landfall on Sunday.
The South Africa Weather Service (SAWS) predicts high rainfall, very strong winds, rough seas and possible storm surges.
Provincial Disaster Management Centre spokesperson Sonja Chinnian says search and rescue teams have been pre-positioned, while Eskom rapid response units remain on standby as officials continue monitoring roads and mountain passes.
WATCH | Government has classified the recent severe weather conditions ravaging parts of the country as a national disaster. pic.twitter.com/bernciBw1G
— SABC News (@SABCNews) May 10, 2026
RELATED VIDEO | Recent severe weather events classified as national disaster
