Unprecedented snowfall disrupts South Africa’s eastern coast

Heavy snowfall in South Africa has left hundreds of motorists stranded on major highways, particularly the one connecting Johannesburg and Durban. The snowstorm covered the eastern region and caused severe damage. Now there is fear of its dissolution

A rare heavy snowfall fell this past weekend on the eastern coast of South Africa, bringing to a standstill traffic on the country’s main highway, the N3, between Johannesburg and Durban.

Coming after the snowfalls in July, which had been quite exceptional, this freak snowstorm has left many people shocked. It has killed two people because of hypothermia and shut down some of the important highways in the country. Indeed, this recent weather phenomenon is unplanned for; snow at this time of the year is a big surprise.

Provinces worst hit by the storm

The most affected provinces by the storm were KwaZulu-Natal and Free State. Officials warned that some areas could face flooding when snow eventually thaws. Many farmers reported their crops had been buried under the snow for two days.

The emergency personnel, who worked around the clock, towed dozens of trucks and other vehicles stranded in the snow, while others distributed food and hot drinks to drivers who had been stuck for hours.

It rarely snows in some parts of South Africa. This, the charity Glen Garriff Conservation says, is the first time since 1996 that this part of the country, where they’re based, around Harrismith, has seen a snowfall like this.