GQEBERHA – The Eastern Cape Department of Health has temporarily suspended services at the Gqeberha Community Health Centre in Walmer after severe flooding caused by persistent heavy rainfall and stormwater overflow.

In a statement today, the department said parts of the facility became unsafe for healthcare operations, affecting consulting rooms, patient waiting areas and other critical service points.

The centre will remain closed until Monday to allow for drainage interventions, cleaning, infrastructure assessments and restoration of services.

Patients have been redirected to the Walmer 14th Avenue Clinic, located approximately three kilometres away, while staff have been temporarily reassigned to ensure continuity of care.

The SA Weather Service issued Orange Level 6 warnings for disruptive rainfall affecting parts of the region, including the Nelson Mandela Bay area.

ALSO READ: Businesses and schools disrupted as heavy rain affects Nelson Mandela Bay

More than 1500 residents evacuated

On Wednesday evening, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality confirmed that more than 1 500 residents have been evacuated from flood-affected communities and accommodated at temporary shelters.

Evacuation centres remain operational at Missionvale Primary School, Kleinskool, Lilian Ngoyi Community Hall in KwaZakhele, Xaba Hall in Langa, Kabah Living Waters Church in Kariega, Airport Valley in Walmer, Walmer Town Hall and Qunu community shelter facilities.

The municipality said it is working with Gift of the Givers, SASSA, SAPS, EMS and provincial disaster management teams to provide humanitarian relief.

“The Municipality, together with Gift of the Givers, SASSA, SAPS, EMS, provincial disaster management teams and community stakeholders, continues to provide food, blankets, mattresses, healthcare support and emergency humanitarian assistance to displaced residents,” the statement said.

“This developing situation demonstrates that Nelson Mandela Bay is not yet out of danger,” the municipality said.

Road closures due to flooding and debris

On Thursday morning, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Disaster Management Centre urged residents to exercise extreme caution as flooding and hazardous driving conditions persist across the metro.

Several key routes remain closed, including the 3rd Avenue Dip and the N2 freeway between John Tallant Road and the M4 East and West interchange.

“The N2 Freeway between John Tallant Road and the M4 East and West interchange remains closed due to flooding. Traffic is currently being diverted via Old Grahamstown Road, with traffic officers assisting on the alternative route to alleviate congestion,” the municipality said.

Residents have been urged to avoid flooded roads, bridges and low-lying crossings, and not to attempt to drive through moving water.

Emergency and disaster response teams remain on high alert as weather conditions continue to affect the metro.

Motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution on the following affected roads across the Metro:

• N2 Freeway toward Kempston Road turn-off – The roadway is heavily flooded. The middle and right lanes remain accessible.

• Kings Beach parking area – Flooded, but vehicles are able to pass with caution.

• Valley Street (underneath the M4 freeway near the tramways) – Flooded, however vehicles are proceeding with caution.

• Lower Valley Road – Severe flooding reported at the traffic circle near the Engineering Hub. The left lane is inaccessible and motorists are currently bypassing the circle into oncoming traffic. Lane closures are required.

• Rink Street near Engen Garage – Left lane flooded, but vehicles are moving cautiously.

• 8th Avenue, Walmer (near Astron Garage) – Flooding reported, with traffic moving slowly and cautiously.

• Walmer Main Road – Left lane flooded from the police station up to near 17th Avenue. Vehicles are proceeding with caution.

ALSO READ: Multiple roads flooded across Nelson Mandela Bay

The South African Weather Service continues to monitor an intense cut-off low pressure system that has triggered heavy rainfall, localised flooding and snowfall across parts of the Eastern and Western Cape.

In the Eastern Cape, snowfall has been reported in the Joe Gqabi District, while heavy rain continues to affect parts of the Sarah Baartman District, including sections of the N9 near Middelburg and routes between Graaff-Reinet and Murraysburg via the Ouberg Pass.

Emergency Medical Services, including aero-medical teams, remain on standby to respond to emergencies in affected and hard-to-reach areas. Residents facing life-threatening emergencies have been urged to dial 112.

Eastern Cape Health MEC Ntandokazi Capa urged residents to remain cautious during the severe weather.

“These severe weather conditions pose significant health and safety risks, particularly to vulnerable groups including the elderly, infants and persons with chronic illnesses,” said Capa.

The department also warned about hypothermia, which can occur due to prolonged exposure to cold and wet conditions. Symptoms include excessive shivering, confusion, fatigue, slurred speech and poor coordination.

Residents are encouraged to dress warmly, avoid unnecessary travel, and exercise caution on roads affected by flooding, snow and poor visibility.

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