Big Ocean Waves Hit South Africa’s Coast, Leaving Two Dead and Many Injured
High Waves Crash Coastal Areas
Big ocean waves, caused by a phenomenon called “spring tide,” slammed into South Africa’s coast during the weekend, resulting in two fatalities and numerous injuries, according to authorities on Monday.
Recorded Waves
The South African Weather Service reported waves towering as high as 9.5 meters. These powerful waves inflicted damage to coastal buildings and swept cars away in parking lots.
Wide Impact
Approximately half of South Africa’s coastline experienced the surges from the “spring tide.” The incident resulted in two fatalities and at least seven individuals sustaining injuries, the weather service confirmed.
Tragic Loss
One of the victims was a 93-year-old woman who got hurt when water inundated a parking lot in the Wilderness area along the south coast. However, the National Sea Rescue Institute suggested that her passing might have been due to natural causes after she was taken to the hospital.
Coastal Chaos
In various coastal areas, the sea surged on both Saturday and Sunday, causing destruction by breaking railings, flooding roads, and damaging buildings. In Gordon’s Bay, near Cape Town, the water even lifted and submerged some vehicles. As a result, some beaches were closed.
Widespread Damage
The impact of the waves was felt in various locations, from the outskirts of Cape Town in the southwest to the popular Garden Route vacation area, and even as far as the eastern coast of the KwaZulu-Natal province, as confirmed by authorities.