Schools have been closed in parts of South Africa's Western Cape province, including Cape Town, due to a severe destructive storm that wreaked havoc in the province at the weekend.
The closure affects schools in the Cape Winelands and Overberg education districts, as well as the Helderberg basin area, education authorities said on Sunday.
"We have not taken the decision to close these schools lightly: we have done so out of an abundance of caution to protect our learners and school staff. It’s always better to be safe than sorry," Western Cape Education Minister David Maynier said.
Strong winds caused two vehicles, including a truck, to be blown off a bridge, as seen in dramatic videos that have been circulating on social media. Another image showed two vehicles that had been flipped by the gale force winds. To avoid accidents, several roads were reportedly closed. Authorities have urged residents to refrain from traveling unnecessarily, and stay off the roads. The heavy winds have caused significant damage, including blowing off roofs, uprooting trees, and fueling wildfires. These wildfires have destroyed a wine farm in Stellenbosch and more than three properties in the Glencairn area. The destructive winds are expected to persist on Monday, and the weather service has also issued warnings about heavy rains that may result in flooding.
