Air travel to and from the region has also been severely affected. AirLink, one of the primary carriers operating at Mthatha Airport, announced that flooding in and around the airport has brought flight operations to a halt. The airline is working closely with local authorities and has assured passengers that updates regarding flight statuses will be communicated directly to all affected travelers.
Adding to the extreme weather situation, parts of the Eastern Cape — particularly Barkly East — have experienced heavy snowfall. As of midmorning on Tuesday, roads in that area were closed to traffic due to snow-covered conditions, making travel dangerous and difficult. Authorities have issued warnings to motorists, urging them to avoid unnecessary journeys, especially in areas where heavy snow has accumulated.
This severe weather event is part of a broader pattern of extreme conditions sweeping across the province. Earlier forecasts predicted above-normal rainfall in the midwinter season for the southwestern parts of the country and along the eastern coastal regions, but much of the Eastern Cape has been unprepared for this level of disruption.
The effects of the flooding and snow have been widespread. Power outages have affected hundreds of thousands of people across the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal as gale-force winds, torrential rains, and snow disrupted electricity supply infrastructure. Eskom’s technical teams are working to restore power in affected areas, but progress has been hampered by ongoing adverse weather.
In addition, the Eastern Cape transport department has issued multiple traffic alerts, advising motorists to avoid travel where possible. Several roads remain impassable due to flooding and snowfalls, adding to the mounting challenges for residents and emergency services alike.
Meanwhile, farmers across the country have been advised to prepare for changing weather patterns, with recommendations to reduce livestock numbers, rotate camps, and provide supplementary feed due to forecasts of below-normal rainfall later in the winter season.
As the situation continues to evolve, residents of Mthatha and nearby areas are urged to remain vigilant, follow official updates, and take necessary precautions to stay safe.
This is a developing story, and further updates will follow as more information becomes available.
