MASERU, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Severe snowfall and strong winds have disrupted cross-border travel, damaged homes, and killed livestock in parts of Lesotho this week, affecting communities in the mountainous kingdom.
The Qacha's Nek Border Gate, one of the country's key crossings with South Africa, was closed due to adverse weather but reopened Wednesday morning, authorities confirmed. However, the Ramatseliso's Gate remained closed because of continued heavy snowfall, with officials expecting it to reopen on Aug. 14.
The severe weather affected Lesotho's highland districts from Sunday night into Monday.
Ha Masheane Councilor Tshabalala Hlabathe said at least 13 people were left homeless in the central district of Berea after strong winds destroyed three houses at Ha Masheane on Monday, forcing affected families to seek shelter elsewhere and move their belongings to relatives' homes.
Hlabathe said no casualties have been reported, adding that authorities were urged to help the affected families repair their homes and provide other assistance.
In the northeastern district of Mokhotlong, about 24 pregnant ewes died after being trapped in snow and attacked by dogs at Hohobeng in the Makhoaba area, local authorities said Tuesday.
Makhoaba Community Councillor Teboho Lehobo said the incident occurred at a cattle post near the village, adding that it was the first such incident reported in the area and a significant loss for the local herder.
Lesotho is particularly vulnerable to severe winter weather because much of the country lies at high elevation, with snowfall a common feature in the mountainous areas between May and September.
The latest snowfall in Lesotho comes amid a broader spell of severe winter weather affecting parts of southern Africa, with snow, strong winds, freezing temperatures and disruptive rainfall reported across neighboring South Africa.
The South African Weather Service has issued multiple severe weather warnings in recent days as a cold front and associated weather systems moved across the region. ■