Western Cape seeks national disaster status after deadly South African floods

The Western Cape provincial government in South Africa has applied for a national disaster declaration following a second wave of severe flooding that hit the region after an earlier storm system. The floods, which stretched from Cape Town to Plettenberg Bay, caused road damage, power outages, water disruptions and forced evacuations in several municipalities. Provincial officials say the latest weather event should be treated separately from the previous storm that already received national disaster classification.

At least ten people have been confirmed dead as torrential rains triggered flooding across six provinces, including the Western and Eastern Cape. The Commonwealth of Nations has expressed solidarity with South Africa, condemning the loss of life and the displacement of communities.