The Eastern Cape is grappling with devastating floods that have claimed the lives of seven people and displaced thousands.
Eastern Cape floods: Here are the latest updates
Heavy rain over the weekend lashed parts of Kariega and Gqeberha, leaving a trail of destruction.
Roads have been closed, and emergency services remain on high alert to respond to further emergencies.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has reached out to Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, urging him to declare a state of disaster.
“A state of disaster must be declared, and we must release resources to assist those people that have been displaced and those that are at risk,” said DA spokesperson Andrew Whitfield.
The party emphasised the urgency of making funding available to repair the extensive damage caused by the floods.
Nelson Mandela Bay emergency services acting head, Henry Landsdown, reported severe damage in the area.
“Some of the people were caught up with the flood situation, others drowned in their backyards, so there were obviously various circumstances but that is the situation,” Landsdown explained.
The deadly flooding has particularly affected parts of Kariega, Gqeberha, and East London, with Nelson Mandela Bay being one of the hardest-hit areas.
Thousands of residents have been evacuated, and emergency operations are ongoing to ensure the safety of those still at risk.
In addition to the human toll, infrastructure has suffered significantly, with falling trees, mudslides, and flash floods causing further havoc in Buffalo City.
The overall situation remains precarious, with emergency services working around the clock to manage the crisis.
Eastern Cape weather forecast for Tuesday, 4 June 2024
On Tuesday, 4 June 2024, the Eastern Cape region is expected to experience continued challenging weather conditions.
The forecast predicts cloudy skies with isolated thunderstorms throughout the day. Temperatures will range from a low of 7°C to a high of 15°C, offering little respite from the cold.
Wind speeds are anticipated to be moderate, with a northwesterly breeze reaching up to 32 km/h.
Humidity levels will be around 65%, and there is a 72% chance of precipitation, indicating that the region could see more rain, which may exacerbate the already severe flooding situation.
Residents are advised to remain vigilant and adhere to any advisories issued by local authorities.
Those in flood-prone areas should take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of their families.
Emergency services will continue to monitor the weather conditions closely and provide updates as the situation evolves.