The Eastern Cape Department of Education has announced the temporary closure of schools in high-risk areas as severe weather conditions continue to threaten parts of the province.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Education MEC Fundile Gade said the decision followed warnings from the South African Weather Service about disruptive rainfall expected across the Eastern Cape.

The department confirmed that some schools identified as being in dangerous flood-prone areas will close on Wednesday, 6 May. According to the statement, Provincial Disaster Management Teams remain on high alert as authorities monitor conditions across affected districts.

Gade said the closure decision was taken after consultations with Head of Department Sharon Maasdorp as a precaution to protect learners, teachers and school staff.

Schools in low-risk and unaffected areas are expected to continue operating normally.

The department has not yet released a full public list of affected schools. This has not been confirmed.

The announcement is likely to affect thousands of learners across rural parts of the Eastern Cape where heavy rain often causes flooded roads, damaged bridges and dangerous river crossings. Communities in areas such as OR Tambo District, Alfred Nzo and parts of the former Transkei region are frequently impacted during severe weather events.

Parents are being urged not to force children to travel in unsafe conditions as rainfall intensifies in some areas.

The department said schools must continue following safety protocols and infrastructure precaution measures while weather conditions are monitored closely.

The warning also comes as many rural families depend on scholar transport routes that become inaccessible during storms, increasing safety risks for learners trying to reach schools.

Local impact in some Eastern Cape communities is still unfolding as weather systems move across the province.

Residents are advised to monitor official updates from the Eastern Cape Department of Education, local municipalities and disaster management authorities for further announcements on school closures and weather alerts.

Pondoland Times will continue tracking updates on affected schools, road conditions and severe weather developments across the Eastern Cape.