Bad weather on the verge of apocalypse: snow, storms and deadly flooding hit South Africa

South Africa is experiencing one of the largest climate disasters in recent years. A powerful cold cyclone that hit the country on June 10-11 caused a sharp drop in temperatures, snowfall, downpours and flash floods. At least nine people have already died as a result of the weather, including children traveling in a school minibus.

This is reported by Anadolu.

It is noted that the tragedy occurred in the Eastern Cape Province, where floodwaters washed away a vehicle carrying schoolchildren. Three children miraculously managed to escape: they caught on trees and waited for help. At the same time, the number of missing people has not yet been finally established. South African rescue services continue the search operation, involving divers and helicopters.

The element also destroyed part of the infrastructure – flooded roads, damaged bridges, and power supply was cut off in many areas. According to local authorities, more than half a million households were left without power. The provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape were the most affected. A state of emergency was declared there.

KwaZulu-Natal Transport Minister Siboniso Duma noted that the snowfall led to massive traffic jams on highways. Trucks got stuck on slopes, and road services were forced to use heavy machinery to clear the roads.

Meteorologist Lehlogonolo Tobela warns of increased winds, high waves at sea and further worsening weather conditions. According to the expert, the cyclone has gone beyond typical seasonal fluctuations and is yet another indication of the impact of climate change on the region. In South Africa, where the winter season usually lasts from June to August, snowfall is not uncommon, but this year’s bad weather has exceeded all expectations.

Local authorities are urging residents not to leave their homes unless absolutely necessary, to avoid trips to mountainous areas and to monitor forecast updates. Rescue teams have already been sent to the most affected areas, as well as mobile teams to provide medical assistance.

Meteorologists and ecologists emphasize that the consequences of extreme weather conditions, which are increasingly observed in South Africa, require immediate adaptation of infrastructure to new climate challenges.

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