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Parts of the Eastern Cape especially Nelson Mandela and Buffalo City Metros experiences heavy rains accompanied by strong winds early hours of the 2nd of June 2024 which resulted in severe flooding in most parts. Over the weekend, the South African Weather Service issued a yellow level 6 warning with predictions of strong winds, snowfalls and flooding in parts of the Western Cape, KwaZulu Natal, Northern Cape and the Eastern Cape. In addition, dam walls were compromised and canals were unable to deal with heavy rainfall which resulted in water flooding into homes and businesses. So far more than 6000 people have been affected including 2500 people have been displaced and 7 people have lost their lives to the floods and a number still reported missing. https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/condolences-eastern-cape-flood-victims-0 The heavy rains resulted in flash floods especially in the 2 Metros (Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffalo City) wreaking havoc in affected areas. https://www/heraldlive.co.za/news/2024-06-03-heavy-rains-wreak-havoc-in-nelson-mandela-bay About 70 people have been rescued in 55 operations since Sunday, according to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI). People have been evacuated to town halls and schools, however, some families are refusing to relocate because they are concerned over their belongings. https://mg.co.za/news/2024-06-03-six-people-dead-and-hundreds-evacuated-in-eastern-cape-floods/
In the Sarah Baartman District Municipalities the areas that are adversely affected by the floods include Kouga area – Sea Vista, Oyster Bay, Jeffreys Bay, Thornhill and in Ndlambe area – New Rest Infomral Settlement was also affected. The Nelson Mandela Metro is the most severe hit area with Kariega in Ward 51 and 48 suffering the worst damage. Damage to infrastructure included damages to roads, sewer systems, buildings and houses including the Traffic Department and the fire station. School has been disrupted, there are water interruptions and there are electricity interruptions with households not having these two basic services since Sunday. The dam wall near Lapland or Tyriville is currently being assessed as there are fears it will collapse causing further flooding in areas. Bridges have collapsed along the Rocklands Road as well as Matanzima road in Kwanobuhle. It must be noted that many people who have lost their homes and belongings are not at community halls but are residing with family members in Kariega. The areas affected include Kuyga, Kwadwesi, Qunu, Langa and Greenfirelds, Kariega Central and Kamesh, Missionvale, Gerald Smith, De Mist, Doctor Brawn, Eric Dodd. Missionvale, Walmer, Witteklip, Daleview, Kwanoxolo, Vastrap, Jachtvlakte, Rocklands, Zwelidinga, Rosedale, GMV, Riemvasmaak, Kleinskool, Joe Slovo, Lapland and Tyriville.
In addition, Buffalo City Metro has been adversely affected leaving 2200 people displaced with the following areas affected, Duncan Village, Amalinda, Gompo, Mdantsane, Stoney Drift, Kelly Road, Vincent Park, Pfefferville. Damages are also reported in Ngqushwa, Great Kei LM and Amahlati. It is worth noting that figures would possibly rise as assessments are ongoing and more information continues to be received.