Deadly storms prompt national disaster declaration in South Africa

Severe storms affecting South Africa from May 4 to 11, 2026, have caused at least 4 deaths, displaced more than 2 000 people, and disrupted infrastructure and essential services across multiple provinces, prompting authorities to declare a national disaster. The declaration covers the Western Cape, North West, Free State, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, and Mpumalanga provinces. This is the fifth national disaster declaration since November 2025 and the fourth so far this year. Source