EASTERN CAPE – Residents across the Kouga and Kou-Kamma regions are being urged to prepare for severe weather after the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a Level 5 warning for disruptive rain expected to impact large parts of the Eastern Cape from 3 June until 4 June.

The warning, issued on 31 May, includes Kouga and Kou-Kamma among several municipalities expected to experience heavy rainfall, flooding and potentially dangerous conditions.

According to SAWS, disruptive rain could lead to a danger to life, flooding of settlements, mudslides and the displacement of communities in affected areas.

Heavy downpours are expected from 3 June into 4 June as a high-pressure system combines with a cut-off low-pressure system in the upper atmosphere.

The weather service warned that the anticipated impacts could include flooding of roads and formal and informal settlements, major traffic disruptions caused by flooded or closed roads, damage to homes, properties, roads and bridges, as well as mudslides, rockfalls and soil erosion.

The warning comes less than a month after severe flooding affected parts of the Kouga and Kou-Kamma municipalities.

As previously reported, in May, the Kouga and Kou-Kamma areas were battered by severe flooding following days of intense rainfall associated with a cut-off low-pressure system over the Eastern Cape.

Between 5 and 7 May, the SAWS issued a Level 8 warning for disruptive rainfall, cautioning residents about widespread flooding, overflowing rivers and infrastructure damage.

One of the worst-hit areas was the Gamtoos Valley.

On 7 May, the Kouga Municipality issued an urgent evacuation order after the Kouga Dam exceeded full capacity and began spilling.

The municipality indicated that one of the major contributing factors to the disaster was the rapid rise of the Kouga Dam, which reportedly surged from approximately 40% capacity to above 100% within hours due to heavy inflows.

By 7 May, the dam had exceeded capacity, prompting emergency warnings and evacuation notices for residents living along the Gamtoos River and downstream flood-prone areas.

In what was described as one of the most devastating natural disasters in the history of the Kouga region, floodwaters tore through towns, farms and rural communities.

SANRAL also confirmed on 7 May that the affected section of the R62 had been closed following the collapse of the road between Kareedouw and Joubertina.

SAWS has advised residents not to cross flooded rivers or areas, especially children, and to stay clear of river basins and low-lying areas.

Residents are advised to remain at home unless it is unsafe to do so, listen for regular weather updates via radio and social media, and monitor weather conditions while identifying safe areas to store valuable items if necessary.

The Level 5 warning remains valid from 00:00 on 3 June until 23:59 on 4 June.

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