Page 1 - 13 June 2025

Heavy Snowfall brings chaos initially restricted heavy was forced to shut off the
to Barkly East, Lady Grey vehicles from using the water supply until morning
and other towns in the area: Barkly Pass, later closing it due to the electricity outage.
A severe snowstorm hit completely due to the severe Older residents described
B a r k l y E a s t a n d i t s weather conditions. All the snowfall as the thickest
surroundings on Monday passes were closed by they could recall, with drifts
afternoon, causing hazar- m o r n i n g . T h e s n o w reaching up to 2 meters
dous driving conditions and continued to fall throughout deep along the Espachberg
widespread disruptions. The the night, causing power road where snow was blown
South African Weather disruptions. Tree branches by winds into drifts.
Service had issued a Level 6 broke under the weight of
w a r n i n g , p r e d i c t i n g the snow , further damaging Restoration Effor ts:
dangerous snowfall and high the power infrastructure. As Despite the challenging
accumulation that could a result many residents were conditions, workers braved
lead to loss of life, livestock, left without electricity. the freezing temperatures to
and crops, as well as Community Impact: The restore power lines. While
community isolation and loss of signal and power left progress has been made, it
service disruptions. families worried, unable to will take time to fully restore
Road Closures and Power contact their loved ones to the power supply. As yet, no
Outages: The Eastern Cape confirm their safety. The Joe stock losses have been
Department of Transport Gqabi District Municipality confirmed.

Dr on call - built by Celeste,
Dohne en Sergio

Elliot (Ecowa) was battered exacerbating the plight of the struggling to cope with the
by heavy rains and strong affected families. With aftermath of the flooding
winds. Roads and gardens damaged homes and limited and wind.
were flooded. The area resources, these families are Donations of essential items,
known as “Paddavlei” was in a precarious situation. such as food, clothing, and
particularly hard hit, with Call for Assistance: We
many homes flooded and urge local authorities and building materials, would go
roofs severely damaged. organizations to provide aid a long way in helping them
The cold weather has set in, to these families, who are rebuild their lives. Nancy Myburgh

Nancy Myburgh Nancy Myburgh This photograph was sent to us by Ilana McGregor. The area near the station and the houses in the
low-lying area known as “Paddavlei” were flooded and many roofs were damaged or blown off.