2 dead in Eastern Cape floods, more weather alerts issued

Emergency services have been working throughout the night to assist those affected by severe flooding in the Eastern Cape, while KZN is also experiencing heavy rain.

June 2, 2024
Allison Cooper 3 minutes read
Image: Facebook video screenshot/Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.

The Eastern Cape’s Nelson Mandela Bay municipality said this morning that two people have died, two have been reported missing and 65 people have been rescued following severe flooding.

“Emergency services have been working throughout the night and are still working and searching to assist people affected by the flooding. All residents are requested to take precautions,” says metro spokesperson Sithembiso Soyaya.

Executive Mayor Gary van Niekerk provided an update on the situation just after 11:15, saying Uitenhage is the most affected:

Several areas have been affected by power outages as a result of the flooding, including Kwanobuhle, Cuyler, Riverside, Groendal, Summerstrand, Fitzpatrick, Kamesh, Brymore, Fairview, Humewood, Kragga Kamma, Lorraine, Lovemore Heights, Miramar, Mount Pleasant, parts of Newton Park, Overbaakens, Pari Park, Summerstrand, Theescombe, Walmer, Walmer Heights, Woodlands and surrounding regions.

The metro posted on X last night that persistent rains had caused flooding in some areas, particularly Kariega in Seaview. Several homes were flooded and vehicles were washed away.

On Facebook, Snow Report last night posted the video below of last night’s flooding in Nelson Mandela Bay.

Snow Report also posted a Facebook video of substantial damage and flooding at the Uitenhage fire station; some areas recorded 150mm of rain.

Margate has again been hit by hard rain, causing flooding and havoc on the roads.

At 10:30 this morning, South Coast Herald warned motorists of flooding at the low-lying bridge on Crescent Street in Umbango, Port Shepstone.

Watch the video by Lazer 911 Security:

Last night, the publication reported a risk of aquaplaning due to large puddles of water between Port Shepstone and Umtentweni, water on the bridge between Sea Park and Southport, and various places flooded in Margate.

Watch the video:

There was also an accident in Marburg, near the weighbridge, on the N2 Harding road.

Watch the video:

 

Significant drop in temperatures expected

On Friday, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) warned South Africans to expect the first significant drop in daytime temperatures over the weekend, with showers and thundershowers possible across most parts, and even some snow over elevated areas.

 

“This is a result of a developing cut-off low-pressure system (the northwards displacement of a low-pressure in the upper levels of the atmosphere) over the western and southern parts of the country from Sunday into Monday. Cut-off low-pressure systems are commonly associated with widespread rainfall, snowfall, strong to gale-force winds, and rough sea conditions in winter,” it said.

Heavy 24-hour rainfall, with accumulations of 50mm to 100mm, is possible, particularly in places along the coastal belt, where there will also be strong to gale-force winds, and very rough sea conditions, with wave heights of 5m to 6m. Wave heights of 7m to 8m are likely offshore.

Strong winds and rough seas were also expected to spread along the south coast of the Western Cape from yesterday afternoon, and the SAWS warned marine operations and users, including large and small vessels at sea and beachgoers, to take note of the anticipated deteriorating weather and sea conditions.

From today, as the cut-off low moves over the country from the west, it will result in cold temperatures and widespread thundershowers across the western, central, and southern parts, then spreading to the eastern parts later.

“Some of these storms may develop to become severe in places over the central and eastern interior, resulting in large amounts of small hail and strong damaging winds.”

Rainfall is expected to continue tomorrow over the eastern and southern parts of the country.

Read original story on www.citizen.co.za

June 2, 2024
Allison Cooper 3 minutes read
 
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