Disaster management teams have been placed on high alert in the province as disruptive snowfall and strong winds affect several parts. Between four and 10 centimetres of snow is expected in affected areas.

The department of cooperative governance and traditional affairs (CoGTA), human settlements, municipalities, and emergency services are coordinating efforts to monitor the weather and assist communities affected by the conditions.

The Weather Service has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for disruptive snowfall along the Lesotho border, which may extend to the north-eastern parts of the Free State.

“Members of the public are advised to avoid travelling to snow-affected areas for recreational purposes and to limit unnecessary travel until conditions improve,” said Free State Cogta MEC Saki Mokoena.

“Snow may look beautiful, but these conditions can change very quickly and place lives at risk. We therefore appeal to our communities not to go out into the snow simply for fun and to avoid unnecessary travel at all costs.”

Meanwhile, strong winds have damaged public and private structures in the Xhariep, Lejweleputswa, Fezile Dabi, and Thabo Mofutsanyana districts.

In Bohlokong, Bethlehem, strong winds damaged the roof of Bodikela School, while the roof of a crèche was also blown away. In Heilbron, approximately 12 informal structures, mainly in Extension 10, lost their roofs.

The Ngwathe municipality fire and rescue services and municipal officials are assisting affected families. Some residents have been evacuated to safer locations, while officials assess the extent of the damage and coordinate assistance.

“We want to encourage our people to be cautious,” said Cogta minister Velenkosini Hlabisa. “We are closely monitoring the situation and will continue communicating with communities as conditions unfold.

“We are being vigilant to ensure that roads are closed when necessary, so that we do not experience what happened before, where people became trapped in the snow.

“We are more than prepared. We are on the ground to ensure that our communities are not disrupted for longer than necessary and that, at the earliest opportunity, life is returned to normal.”

OFM News/Zenande Mpame cvs

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