Cape town: President Cyril Ramaphosa has assured South Africans that government is working closely with communities to address the impact of severe weather conditions that have claimed at least 10 lives across several provinces. The President expressed deep sadness at the loss of life linked to heavy rainfall, flooding, thunderstorms, damaging winds, and snowfall affecting parts of the country.

According to South African Government News Agency, the President's thoughts are with the families, friends, and colleagues of the people who have died in events arising from these adverse weather conditions. The Presidency released a statement highlighting the government's commitment to addressing the disaster's effects. The government, through the National Disaster Management Centre, has declared a national state of disaster in response to the loss of life, damage to infrastructure, disruptions to essential services, and the displacement of communities.

President Ramaphosa assured the nation that all spheres of government will continue working together to respond to the disaster and support affected communities. National, provincial, and municipal authorities will collaborate with communities to mitigate the disaster's effects. The President also commended individuals, civil society organizations, and businesses that have stepped in to assist communities affected by the adverse weather conditions.

President Ramaphosa further praised rescue and recovery teams operating under difficult conditions, noting that severe weather continues to affect rescue and recovery operations, including limiting air operations. As winter sets in, the President emphasized the vulnerability to forecasted events whose intensity may not be predictable but assured the nation of the best use of science to pre-empt some of these events and respond to the aftermath.

The President said the National Disaster Management Centre and Cabinet will continue to receive updates on critical weather forecasts and the impact of the disaster. The Centre and Cabinet will be updated on critical forecasts, and responses will be modified as conditions dictate.