Heavy winds, storms, and heavy rainfalls have killed at least one person in coastal province Western Cape, which includes Cape Town, officials reported on Monday.
The extreme weather caused the closure of schools and roadways, particularly in the Cape Winelands, Overberg, and West Coast regions, where houses, roads, and public infrastructure were damaged. Officials were on high alert for further severe weather on Monday.
The only person killed was a security guard patrolling on a bike when a tree uprooted by strong winds fell on him, according to officials.
Heavy winds also fuelled wildfires in Cape Town’s Glencairne neighborhood, destroying at least eight homes, according to a local representative.
Power outages had left some parts of Cape Town without energy by Monday afternoon. Western Cape Premier Alan Winde stated that the provincial government has sent emergency services.
“We appeal to everyone to please exercise extreme caution and avoid unnecessary travel,” he added, adding that at least 26 schools in the province have experienced weather-related damage.
The South African Weather Services issued a high alert for the Western Cape, citing harsh weather and likely flooding in other regions of the country, including the coastal province of KwaZulu-Natal and the populous province of Gauteng, home to Johannesburg.
KwaZulu-Natal has been prone to floods, which has claimed lives and caused significant damage to homes and highways.