By Charmaine Ndlela
Schools in the Eden and Central Karoo Education District in the Western Cape will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday as authorities prepare for severe weather expected to affect large parts of the province.
The Western Cape Education Department announced the precautionary closure after the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued an Orange Level 8 warning for disruptive rainfall in parts of the Garden Route, with further warnings in place for the Central Karoo and other areas as a cut-off low-pressure system moves across the country.
The system is expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, very cold temperatures, light snow and rough sea conditions to parts of the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape.
Schools in the affected district are expected to reopen on Friday, while public schools in the province’s remaining seven education districts will continue operating as normal.
According to provincial authorities, municipalities including Bitou, Knysna and George could receive accumulated rainfall of up to 200mm over the two-day period, while Beaufort West is forecast to receive between 60mm and 80mm.
The severe weather warning comes just weeks after storms and flooding in the Western Cape claimed 11 lives and affected about 150,000 people across parts of the province, including the Garden Route, Little Karoo, Cape Winelands and Cape Metropole.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has urged residents, businesses and motorists to exercise extreme caution after the SAWS warning.
The weather service has also warned of possible mudslides and rockfalls, particularly along mountain passes, as well as damage to property, agricultural infrastructure, dam walls and livestock.
In addition, SAWS warned of very cold, wet and windy conditions, with light snowfall expected over the central and eastern interior of the Western Cape and southern parts of the Namakwa District in the Northern Cape.
Authorities have cautioned residents against unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain and flooding and advised motorists never to attempt crossing flooded roads, bridges or swollen rivers.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality said its Disaster Management Centre, emergency services and relevant departments had been placed on high alert and were closely monitoring developments to ensure a coordinated response.
“Residents living in low-lying and flood-prone areas are encouraged to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves, their families and their property,” said Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe.
“Motorists are advised to avoid travelling unless absolutely necessary during periods of intense rainfall and should never attempt to cross flooded roads, bridges, streams or low-water crossings.”
INSIDE EDUCATION
