National Disaster Declared After Severe Storms, Flooding And Snowfall Hit South Africa

South Africa’s devastating wave of extreme weather has officially been declared a national disaster after days of destructive flooding, heavy rain, damaging winds and snowfall caused chaos across several provinces.

The National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) confirmed that the severe weather conditions, which began on 4 May 2026, have left widespread destruction in communities across the country, disrupting vital services and damaging homes, roads and infrastructure.

National Disaster Declared After Severe Weather Hits Provinces

The Head of the NDMC, Dr Elias Sithole, announced that the weather events have been classified as a national disaster under Section 23(1)(b) of the Disaster Management Act, 2002.

“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,” Sithole said.

According to Sithole, the declaration will allow government departments to strengthen coordination and intensify ongoing disaster response and recovery operations across all levels of government.

Cape Town Flooding And Storm Damage Leave Trail Of Destruction

The City of Cape Town Disaster Risk Management Centre said it has received numerous reports of storm-related destruction across several communities.

Areas including Westridge, Mitchells Plain and Hanover Park experienced roofs being blown off houses, while flooding was reported in parts of Khayelitsha, Hout Bay, Strand and the Nyanga hostels.

Authorities also confirmed that Chapman’s Peak Drive has been closed because of dangerous weather conditions.

Cape Town Roads Flooded As Electricity Teams Rush Repairs

City spokesperson Luthando Tyhalibongo said several roads across the metro have been flooded, while blocked drains continue to create additional challenges for emergency teams.

“Multiple roads have been flooded and drains blocked across the metro. City teams have been activated to conduct impact assessments and clear affected areas,” said Tyhalibongo.

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Officials also confirmed that a collapsed roadway in Church Street, Bellville and a sinkhole in Atlantis have already been repaired.

Weather-related power outages were reported in various areas, with electricity teams working to restore supply to affected residents.

Tyhalibongo added that recreation and parks teams are also removing fallen trees and branches that pose safety risks to the public.