The Eastern Cape Department of Education has suspended classes in several high-risk areas as the province braces for severe weather conditions expected to bring heavy rainfall, flooding and infrastructure damage.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the department announced the implementation of safety and contingency measures following a weather warning from the South African Weather Service (SAWS).
According to the department, a cut-off low-pressure system is currently passing over the Eastern Cape and is expected to result in heavy downpours along the coast and adjacent inland areas.
“A cut-off low-pressure system is currently passing over the Eastern Cape, however undercutting is expected and will result in heavy downpours in places along the coast and adjacent interior, especially the South Coast where amounts of about 100 to 150mm are expected,” the department said.
The areas expected to be most affected include Buffalo City, Great Kei, Kouga, Kou-Kamma, Makana, Ndlambe, Nelson Mandela Bay, Ngqushwa and the Sundays River Valley.
Authorities have warned that the severe weather could lead to flooding of settlements, roads and bridges, damage to infrastructure, and dangerous driving conditions due to slippery roads and poor visibility.
As a precautionary measure, classes have been suspended from Wednesday, 3 June, to Thursday, 4 June in all areas identified as high risk.
The department said district directors in other parts of the province must continuously assess local conditions and prioritise the safety of learners, educators and officials.
“We must avoid any possible loss of life and ensure that learners, staff members and officials are permitted to go to work only when it is safe to do so,” the statement said.
The Eastern Cape Department of Education urged all stakeholders to treat the weather warning with urgency and implement all safety measures immediately to protect learners and staff.
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