GQEBERHA – The Eastern Cape Department of Education has closed schools in high-risk areas for two days as a Level 8 weather warning threatens flooding, infrastructure damage and dangerous road conditions across parts of the province.

The decision follows the South African Weather Service’s upgrade of its disruptive rainfall warning for Nelson Mandela Bay and surrounding areas from Level 5 to Level 8.

According to the weather service, a cut-off low-pressure system is expected to bring heavy downpours along the coast and adjacent interior areas.

Rainfall of between 100mm and 150mm is forecast in some areas, while Nelson Mandela Bay could receive up to 200mm over two days.

In a memorandum issued on Tuesday, the Department of Education instructed schools in all areas identified as high risk to suspend classes from Wednesday, June 3, to Thursday, June 4.

The affected municipalities listed in the memorandum are Buffalo City, Great Kei, Kouga, Kou-Kamma, Makana, Ndlambe, Nelson Mandela Bay, Ngqushwa and Sundays River Valley.

The department warned that the severe weather could lead to the “flooding of settlements, roads, and bridges”, “infrastructure damage” and “dangerous driving conditions due to slippery roads and reduced visibility”.

ALSO READ: Weather warning increased to Level 8 for Kouga and Kou-Kamma as heavy rain forecast

District directors in other parts of the province have been instructed to monitor conditions and prioritise safety.

The memorandum states that district directors must “avoid any possible loss of life and ensure that learners, staff members and officials are permitted to go to work only when it is safe to do so”.

School principals have also been instructed to establish alternative communication channels for schoolwork and prepare plans to recover lost teaching time once conditions improve.

Meanwhile, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has activated its Joint Operations Centre (JOC) and implemented heightened disaster management measures ahead of the expected storm.

According to the municipality, the weather warning was upgraded due to increased rainfall projections, saturated ground conditions and the damage caused by previous weather systems.

Municipal disaster management teams, emergency services, engineering departments and critical infrastructure units have been placed on high alert.

Forecasts indicate up to 100mm of rainfall on Wednesday, with a further 50mm to 100mm possible on Thursday. The municipality said rainfall probabilities remain extremely high, with a 100% chance of rain on Wednesday and an 80% chance on Thursday.

The municipality warned of “widespread flooding of formal and informal settlements”, flooding of roads and bridges, major transport disruptions, dangerous driving conditions, mudslides, rockfalls and damage to infrastructure.

Communities could also become isolated due to flooding and road closures.

Residents living in flood-prone areas have been urged to prepare for possible evacuations should conditions worsen.

The municipality is also monitoring a Yellow Level 2 warning for damaging waves. Wave heights of between four and five metres are expected along the Nelson Mandela Bay coastline.

Residents have been advised to exercise caution around beaches, coastal walkways and low-lying coastal areas, particularly during high tide periods.

The municipality has further urged residents to postpone non-essential travel, avoid crossing flooded roads, rivers and streams, secure valuable belongings and stay informed through official communication channels.

Emergency services remain on standby as authorities prepare for what could be one of the most significant rainfall events to affect the region in recent months.

ALSO READ: Level 8 weather alert: Protect your pets, avoid flooded roads and stay safe