At Least 13 Die Of Hypothermia As Heaviest Snow In 20 Years Hits S. Africa's Cape Province - AFP

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At least 13 people have died from the effect of freezing weather in South Africa's Eastern Cape province, the police disaster management coordinator for the district told AFP on Wednesday. "I can confirm that 13 people died in Eastern Cape region from the effect of snow and chilly weather," Captain John Folbein said in a telephone interview. The heaviest snowfalls in 20 years blocked major highways in South Africa on Tuesday, as a severe cold snap tightened its grip on the country.

Air Force helicopters had been used to rescue six people trapped by snow on the Katberg mountain in Eastern Cape, Folbein said.

Other deaths were reported from weather-related incidents around the country, including fires resulting from people's attempts to keep warm, as temperatures in Johannesburg dropped to minus three degrees Celcius (sic) Wednesday morning.

EDIT

http://www.terradaily.com/reports/At_Least_13_Dead_In_South_African_Cold_Snap_999.html