Severe weather knocks out mobile networks in South Africa

Strong winds, flooding, and snow have caused network disruptions in parts of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

MTN South Africa confirmed on Tuesday that the two provinces impacted by severe weather were experiencing network disruptions.

“Our teams are working tirelessly to restore services despite damaged infrastructure and road closures,” MTN stated.

“We’ve deployed generators and rerouted traffic. Our teams are working around the clock to fully restore connectivity in all affected areas. Thank you for your patience.”

The South African Weather Service has warned that widespread rain and disruptive snow are expected to continue over the escarpments of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

Earlier in the day, the weather service issued a level 5 warning for damaging winds in KwaZulu-Natal, with authorities reporting that disaster management teams were deployed across the province.

The N2 between Kokstad and the Underberg was closed due to snow on Tuesday morning, with Traffic SA reporting that it remains closed.

Other roads through the area are also closed and Traffic SA has advised that people avoid travel into the region.

In addition to snow, Arrive Alive has reported that high winds have caused infrastructure damage in the Ethekwini area.

At the same time, parts of the Eastern Cape have been hit with severe flooding, with houses submerged and people left stranded. Emergency services in Mthatha have been deployed on rescue missions.

The South African Weather Service has issued an Orange Level 6 warning for disruptive snow over Joe Gqabi district, Molteno and Matatiele.

Disruptive rain has also been issued for the Buffalo City Metro (East London, Bhisho and Qonce), as well as the OR Tambo and Amathole districts.

Photos of the severe weather have been shared on social media, including the images below.