South Africa has declared a national disaster after severe weather conditions battered multiple provinces, including the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Free State, North West, and Mpumalanga.

Heavy rainfall, flooding, violent storms, damaging winds, and snowfall have disrupted communities since early May, forcing the national government to coordinate emergency response efforts and disaster management operations across affected regions.

The Western Cape remains one of the hardest-hit areas, with forecasts warning of more than 100mm to 200mm of rainfall in some locations and wind speeds reaching up to 120km/h. The worsening conditions have triggered flood risks, road disruptions, power outages, and communication challenges in several communities.

Humanitarian teams continue distributing food supplies and blankets to residents cut off from essential services as emergency agencies monitor the evolving situation.

Several major tourist attractions inside Table Mountain National Park have been temporarily closed for safety reasons, including Boulders Penguin Colony’s Forest Link walkway, Lion’s Head summit, Signal Hill, Cecilia Forest, Constantia Nek, Tokai trails, and multiple picnic sites.

Authorities have also issued warnings across the Garden Route and West Coast National Park as strong winds and flooding continue to threaten public safety. Travelers have been advised to monitor official updates closely, prepare for sudden itinerary changes, and avoid outdoor activities in high-risk areas.