CAPE TOWN, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Severe weather has claimed two lives in South Africa's Eastern Cape Province after heavy rains, strong winds and flooding hit parts of the OR Tambo District Municipality, local authorities said on Saturday.
According to a statement issued by the OR Tambo District Municipality, one of the seven districts in the province, verified preliminary reports showed that the fatalities occurred in two separate areas within the district.
Several communities across the municipality were affected by the extreme weather, which caused flooding, infrastructure damage and electricity supply interruptions.
Initial assessments indicated that several households were left homeless or partially displaced, while access roads, bridges and other infrastructure sustained damage. Authorities also reported crop destruction and lightning-related livestock losses, noting that damage assessments were continuing and figures remained preliminary.
Disaster management structures at the local level were activated immediately, with early reports submitted to the OR Tambo District Disaster Management Center, which is coordinating a district-wide response.
Relief support is being mobilized in coordination with provincial and local stakeholders, including temporary shelter, food parcels, blankets, mattresses, hygiene packs and other essential household items. ■