Parts of the Eastern Cape, notably Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffalo City Metros, were hit hard by severe flooding after heavy rainfall and strong winds on June 2, 2024. The South African Weather Service had earlier issued a level 6 yellow warning for high winds, snowfall, and flooding across multiple provinces including the Eastern Cape. The flooding affected over 6,000 people, displacing around 2,500 and resulting in seven fatalities, with some still missing. Infrastructure damage is extensive, with compromised sheet pile walls, submerged homes and businesses, and collapsed bridges in several areas such as Kouga and Ndlambe within the Sarah Baartman District. Evacuations were widespread, though some residents hesitated to leave due to concerns for their possessions. Rescue efforts by the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) have been significant, rescuing approximately 70 people in multiple operations. Basic amenities like water and electricity have been cut off for many households since the flooding began.
Original Source: ReliefWeb
Date: 2024-06-04 00:22:23
reliefweb.int