Large waves caused by a phenomenon known as a "spring tide" hit coastal areas of South Africa over the weekend, killing two people and injuring seven, authorities said on Monday (18/9).
The weather service reported waves as high as 9.5 meters, some of which damaged waterfront buildings and washed away cars in parking lots.
South Africa's meteorological service announced that 50% of the country's coastline was affected by sea waves.
Shocking moment as a massive wave crashed into a South African beach restaurant, leaving several injured. pic.twitter.com/bT9K7vnEDe
— AccuWeather (@accuweather) September 18, 2023
Among the victims was a 93-year-old woman who was injured when a wave swept through a parking lot in the Wilderness area on the country's south coast, although the National Marine Rescue Institute said her death may have been of natural causes after she was taken to hospital.
The sea swelled on Saturday and Sunday, breaking railings, roads and buildings and sweeping away many cars.
Massive waves wrecked havoc across the southern coast of South Africa (video from Harold's bay) yesterday as a result of spring high tide combining with storm surge - damage in many local coastline towns!
— Live Storm Chasers (@LiveStormChaser) September 17, 2023
LSC/The weather Hooligan pic.twitter.com/zF7HVYj5tS
