Nelson Mandela Bay has been hit hard by flooding caused by heavy rains in the area. (Courtesy/NSRI)
- Heavy flooding has hit parts of Nelson Mandela Bay, causing chaos and leaving some residents unable to leave their homes.
- Two people were killed and at least four are missing in Kariega.
- City officials said at least 65 people have been rescued so far.
Heavy rains in recent days have flooded large parts of Nelson Mandela Bay, leaving many residents unable to leave their homes and leaving two people dead in Kariega.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) said one man and one baby were killed and four women were still missing.
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NSRI spokesman Craig Lambinon said at least 70 people had been evacuated safely to various assembly points in 55 rescue operations so far.
At least 65 people had been rescued as of Sunday, but two were still missing, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality spokesman Sithembiso Soyaya said.
Power was cut across a wide area including KwaNobule, around Kyler Street in Kariega (formerly Uitenhage), Riverside, Groendal, Kamesh, Summerstrand in Gkebera, Fitzpatrick and Humewood.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is concerned by the persistent rains which have caused flooding in several areas around the metro, particularly in Kariega, Seaview etc. The JOC has launched an operation to determine the extent of the flooding, damage and cause of action. pic.twitter.com/MUfumUxroC
— Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (@NMandelaBaymuni) June 1, 2024
“Emergency services have been working throughout the night and are currently continuing rescue and search efforts for people affected by the floods and we urge all residents to take precautions,” Soyaya said.
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Various road closures have been put in place in Kariega and Greenbush as a result of the weather, according to the municipality.
- Stockstraße and Daniel Pienaarstraße;
- Algoa Road;
- Cuyler Street;
- North Street and Graaff Reinet Road;
- Van Der Riet and Taylor Streets;
- Victoria Drive to Caledon Street
- Matanzima Road, Kwanobuhle.
Soyaya said roads at Blue Horizon Bay in Gkebera were flooded and impassable.
Heavy rains have fallen in the state, and videos posted to social media showed water flooding into garages and lifting cars off the ground, with residents wading through knee-deep water inside their homes and on the streets.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) on Sunday issued an Orange Level 6 warning (high probability, major impact) for coastal Eastern Cape areas due to heavy rainfall, and a Yellow Level 2 warning (high probability, minor impact) for inland Eastern Cape areas due to heavy rainfall.