SA Declares National Disaster as Deadly Floods and Severe Winter Storms Kill at Least 10

In an official statement released by the Presidency, President Ramaphosa conveyed condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives during the severe weather events.

South Africa has declared a national state of disaster after severe weather conditions including heavy rainfall, flooding, damaging winds, thunderstorms and snowfall claimed at least 10 lives and caused widespread disruption across several provinces.

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and assured citizens that government authorities at national, provincial and municipal levels are working closely with communities to manage the crisis and support affected families.

The disaster declaration comes as parts of South Africa continue to face worsening winter weather conditions that have damaged infrastructure, displaced communities and severely hampered rescue and recovery operations.

President Ramaphosa Expresses Condolences to Families of Victims

In an official statement released by the Presidency, President Ramaphosa conveyed condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives during the severe weather events.

"The President's thoughts are with the families, friends and colleagues of the people who have died in events arising from heavy rainfall, flooding, thunderstorms, damaging winds and snowfall," the Presidency said.

The President acknowledged the devastating human impact of the disaster, which has affected multiple communities already vulnerable to infrastructure challenges and seasonal climate risks.

National State of Disaster Declared Amid Widespread Damage

The South African government, through the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), has formally declared a national state of disaster in response to:

• Loss of life

• Damage to public infrastructure

• Disruption of essential services

• Community displacement

• Severe weather-related emergencies

The declaration enables the government to accelerate emergency response measures, mobilise additional resources and strengthen coordination between state institutions responding to the crisis.

Disaster management officials are closely monitoring weather developments as additional rainfall, snowfall and storm activity continue to threaten affected regions.

Government Mobilising Across All Spheres to Support Communities

President Ramaphosa said authorities across all levels of government will continue working together to assist affected communities and coordinate disaster response efforts.

"National, provincial and municipal authorities will work with communities to address the effects of the disaster," the Presidency stated.

Emergency response teams, humanitarian agencies and local authorities are currently involved in:

• Search and rescue operations

• Flood response

• Emergency shelter support

• Infrastructure assessment

• Community evacuations

• Restoration of essential services

Officials say some regions remain difficult to access due to flooding, damaged roads and severe weather conditions.

Severe Weather Hampering Rescue and Recovery Efforts

The President also praised emergency personnel and rescue teams operating under difficult and dangerous conditions.

According to the Presidency, ongoing severe weather has complicated rescue and recovery operations, particularly by limiting air support capabilities in some areas.

"As winter sets in, we are vulnerable to events which we may be able to forecast but whose actual intensity in specific locations we may not be able to predict," President Ramaphosa said.

The statement reflects growing concerns over the increasing unpredictability and intensity of extreme weather events linked to changing climate patterns.

Climate and Winter Risks Increasing Pressure on Disaster Systems

South Africa's winter season is frequently associated with severe cold fronts, flooding, snowfalls and damaging storms, particularly in vulnerable provinces with ageing infrastructure and informal settlements exposed to climate-related risks.

Climate experts have repeatedly warned that rising global temperatures are increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events across southern Africa, including:

• Flash floods

• Severe thunderstorms

• Coastal storms

• Prolonged droughts

• Heatwaves

• Unseasonal snowfall

The latest disaster has once again highlighted the growing pressure on South Africa's disaster management systems, emergency infrastructure and local government response capabilities.

Government Using Science and Forecasting to Improve Preparedness

President Ramaphosa said government agencies are increasingly relying on scientific forecasting and climate-monitoring systems to improve disaster preparedness and response.

"We are, however, making the best use of science to pre-empt some of these events and to respond to the aftermath," the President said.

South Africa's weather and disaster management authorities have in recent years invested more heavily in:

• Weather forecasting systems

• Early warning infrastructure

• Climate monitoring

• Disaster preparedness coordination

• Emergency communication systems

However, officials acknowledge that accurately predicting the exact intensity and localised impact of severe weather events remains a major challenge.

Civil Society and Businesses Praised for Community Support

President Ramaphosa also commended ordinary citizens, businesses and civil society organisations that have stepped forward to assist affected communities during the crisis.

Humanitarian groups, faith-based organisations and private sector partners are reportedly helping with:

• Food distribution

• Temporary shelter

• Emergency supplies

• Community relief efforts

• Volunteer rescue support

Observers say coordinated community support remains critical in disaster situations where state capacity can become stretched during large-scale emergencies.

Cabinet and Disaster Management Centre Monitoring Situation Closely

The President confirmed that the National Disaster Management Centre and Cabinet will continue receiving regular updates regarding weather forecasts, disaster impacts and emergency response operations.

"The National Disaster Management Centre and Cabinet will be updated on critical forecasts and disastrous impacts and responses will be modified as conditions dictate," he said.

Authorities remain on high alert as winter weather systems continue moving across parts of the country.

Infrastructure Damage and Service Disruptions Under Assessment

Although full assessments are still underway, officials say the severe weather has already caused significant damage to:

• Roads and transport infrastructure

• Electricity networks

• Water systems

• Residential areas

• Community facilities

Flooding and heavy snowfall have also disrupted transport movement and access to several areas, further complicating recovery operations.

Economic analysts warn that prolonged weather disruptions could affect agricultural activity, logistics operations and local economies in affected provinces.

South Africa Faces Growing Need for Climate Resilience

The latest disaster has renewed debate around South Africa's long-term climate resilience strategy and the need for stronger investment in:

• Disaster-resistant infrastructure

• Urban flood management systems

• Early warning technology

• Emergency response capacity

• Climate adaptation planning

Experts say extreme weather events are becoming increasingly costly both economically and socially, particularly for low-income and vulnerable communities.

As rescue and recovery operations continue, the government faces mounting pressure to strengthen disaster preparedness systems while accelerating climate adaptation and infrastructure resilience efforts nationwide.