South Africa has classified the severe weather affecting several parts of the country as a national disaster, after days of flooding, heavy rain, snow and strong winds damaged roads, homes and public services.

The decision was announced by the government after bad weather, which began on 4 May, hit provinces including the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, North West, Free State and Mpumalanga. Authorities said the scale of the damage and disruption led to a nationwide response.

Bongani Elias Sithole, who heads the National Disaster Management Centre, said the weather event had been formally classified as a national disaster after consultations with disaster officials across the country.

The classification places the main responsibility for coordinating relief efforts on the national government, with support expected from provincial and local authorities.

Officials said emergency teams are still working in affected communities where flooding has cut off access routes, damaged infrastructure and disrupted electricity and water services.

In the Garden Route area of the Western Cape, local authorities said some communities remain isolated, while humanitarian teams continue to deliver food and blankets to residents affected by the storms.

Forecasters have also warned that more heavy rain and strong winds could hit parts of the Western Cape in the coming days, raising concerns that conditions may worsen before recovery efforts are complete.

Ademide Adebayo