The National Disaster Management Centre has classified the storm and flood crisis battering South Africa a national disaster. Severe weather since 4 May 2026 has killed at least four people across six provinces and triggered a coordinated emergency response.
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Section 23(1)(b) classification triggers national response
NDMC head Dr Elias Sithole invoked Section 23(1)(b) of the Disaster Management Act, 2002. The classification allows national, provincial and municipal authorities to coordinate response and recovery efforts. Cooperative Governance Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa welcomed the move and confirmed that disaster teams remain on alert.
Six provinces hit by floods, snow and damaging winds
The Western Cape, North West, Free State, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and Mpumalanga have all been lashed by torrential rainfall, severe thunderstorms, damaging winds and snowfall. A social worker is among the confirmed fatalities in the Western Cape. Emergency services are bracing for the next cold front sweeping across the country this week.
Sources
South African Government media statement, 10 May 2026. SAnews. National Disaster Management Centre.
