By Amy Musgrave
Heavy snowfall in parts of the country is wreaking havoc, with the Border Management Authority (BMA) deciding to close some ports of entry on Saturday until further notice, and Arrive Alive urging that all travel in these areas be avoided.
The snow has left motorists stranded in KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State.
BMA commissioner Michael Masiapato has issued a notice to travellers that in light of the persistent snowfall, “conditions leading to some ports of entry have become risky underfoot”.
“Given the situation, the BMA and stakeholders operating at the port, have taken a decision to close Sani Pass, Boesmansnek and Monontsha ports of entry for operations today until further notice,” he said in statement.
“This precaution is taken to ensure the safety of travellers, tourists and officials, as the current conditions pose a significant danger.”
Travellers are advised that the Ficksburg , Caledonspoort, Makhaleng and Maseru ports can be used as alternatives to enter Lesotho.
Arrive Alive has advised that several sections of the N3 around the Midlands have been closed due to heavy snow and hazardous driving conditions, warning that the weather is extremely severe, and it is currently unsafe to travel.
Additionally, snow has also been reported in Ladysmith, Dundee and surrounding areas, where road conditions are similarly dangerous.
“Avoid all travel today. For your safety, please remain at home. Despite the excitement of the snowfall, traveling is strongly discouraged,” it said in a statement.
Rescue workers are actively responding to emergencies, including efforts to assist those stranded overnight. They have also been working tirelessly to locate and assist a cardiac emergency patient and children stranded in a bus.
“For your safety, and that of the rescue teams, we urge you to cancel any travel arrangements. The road conditions are extremely dangerous, and we ask everyone to prioritise safety above all else,” it said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with those who are stuck and with the courageous responders working to save lives.”
Earlier it was reported that Reaction Unit South Africa had received several calls for assistance from motorists stranded on the N3 Harrismith in the Free State.
The callers were concerned for the wellbeing of the elderly and children who had not had access to food and water after the vehicles they were travelling in became stuck on the freeway travelling to and from Gauteng and other parts of the country.
“The RUSA helicopter is being pre-flighted (weather dependent) for take-off to assist with supplies. It has been reported that visibility on route is poor due to fog. The Aircraft pilot and crew are on standby for clearance.”
Free State law enforcement has been requested to assist the stranded.
Meanwhile, KwaZulu-Natal’s Provincial Disaster Management Centre convened a joint operations centre meeting on Saturday, where District Disaster Management Centres provided updates on relief efforts.
The snowstorm has blocked major routes, including the R74 (Harrismith to Bergville),the R74 Greytown/Colenso Road, N3 (Harrismith to Tugela Toll), the R617 (Kokstad to Underberg) and N3 Northbound.
Cooperative Governance MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi said in a statement that multidisciplinary interventions had begun to yield results, with some stranded motorists receiving support in the form of soup kitchens, shelter and blankets.
Local municipalities in conjunction with other state organs, have mobilised graders to clear snow in the affected regions, prioritising major routes to facilitate emergency access.
“The heavy snowfall has also caused fallen trees, further complicating the situation. Residents living near the N3 who can assist stranded motorists with supplies are encouraged to do so safely,” it said.
“The heavy snow has disrupted essential services, including water and electricity, in several communities. Technical teams are working to restore these services as quickly as possible, but residents should prepare for potential delays due to the weather conditions.”
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