As households throughout the Eastern Cape battled with the heavy rain that began on June 1, the negative implications were seen in the Kouga region as many homes and streets were flooded, with Jeffreys Bay measuring as much as 108 millimetres of rain on the morning of June 2.
7de Laan, Humansdorp
Jonathan Phyllis, who has been staying in 7de Laan for 20 years, said he was thankful that his area was not heavily affected by the recent downpour.
Further elaborating on the recent flood damage which occurred in Kariega due to the heavy rainfall, he said, “We are lucky that we did not experience the disaster that occurred in Kariega and other places.”
Phyllis said the only negative implication of the rain in his area is that the streets located downhill are left with large pools of water for many days after the rain.
He noted that this problem occurred each time it rained, and they often found that since the roads were filled with water, the water eventually moved into the residents’ yards, and in some cases could be seen on their doorsteps.
“When the rainy days are over, the water stands still for days or weeks. As a result, our shoes get dirty and wet,” said Phyllis.
KwaNomzamo, Humansdorp
Unfortunately, in KwaNomzamo, another part of Humansdorp, Xolani Woni and his family were not as fortunate when their home was flooded on June 1.
He said that on the morning of June 1 they found water underneath their tiles, and they then proceeded to dry all wet areas before he left for work.
Woni said at noon he received a call from his partner, Zandie, informing him that their house was flooded.
“I got home at about 14:30 and could not step into the house because the water filled the whole house. We had to place bricks underneath all our furniture so that it would not get damaged. Unfortunately, the couches were already damp from the rainwater,” said Woni.
“We were lucky that Zandie was at home to make sure there was not much damage to the furniture.”
Woni said they used 20 litre buckets and jugs to scoop the water; however, it continued to seep in.
Thankfully, he said that once the rain stopped, there was no longer water entering their home.
With the South African Weather Services issuing a level 6 warning for disruptive rain in the Kouga area on June 3, Woni said he was uncertain what was going to happen to their home.
“There are no safety measures to take in this case, only to take it as it comes,” said Woni.
He further said there were many people affected by the flooding and some have lost valuable furniture.
Sea Vista, St Francis Bay
Nathaar Cupido, from Sea Vista, said the houses in 7th Avenue are constantly flooded by rainwater and the recent heavy rain was no different.
He said that since there are not enough stormwater drains, or regular maintenance on the few stormwater drains, the homes in the area battled with the influx of water.
In addition, Cupido said that since the informal settlements are built in wetland areas, the residents struggle with flooding each time it rains.
“Both the homes built on municipal land and the informal settlements built on wetland are impacted when it rains, and experience flooding,” said Cupido.
Wavecrest, Jeffreys Bay
Rika van Jaarsveld from Wavecrest said that during the night of June 1 she realised there was water coming in from their doors, and as a result, she placed towels against the doors to keep the water out.
“It was raining continuously, and we could not see what was happening outside,” said Van Jaarsveld.
She further said she was concerned about more heavy rain, and noticed that many potholes that were recently closed have opened again as a result of the rain.
Oceanview, Jeffreys Bay
Mieta Williams-Jan, from Ocean View, said she was thankful that she was not affected by the heavy rain; however many of the homes in her area were not as fortunate.
She said that her neighbour, Noluthando Tshazibana, was out of town when her shack was flooded.
“When she arrived on Sunday she could not enter her shack, and her entire house was flooded, with her couches halfway underwater,” said Williams-Jan.
She further said that Tshazibana was left freezing with her young children, wet blankets, and wet clothing.
“With this heavy rain I’m also thinking about the less fortunate people and those sleeping on the streets. We are struggling while being in homes. What about them?” said Williams-Jan.
To deal with the excessive rainfall, the Kouga Municipality released a statement on June 2 indicating that they are taking urgent measures to assist affected residents and manage the crisis.
Response and relief measures
The statement said that the municipality is prioritising the relocation of affected residents to community halls, where necessary.
“Efforts are underway to clear waterlogged roads to allow residents to access their homes safely,” the statement read.
“Ensuring functionality of infrastructure, including pump stations and electricity supply, is a key focus.”
Providing an update on June 5, Kouga Member of Mayoral Committee for Community and Safety Services, Daniel Benson, said 20 residents have been evacuated to the community hall in Sea Vista while more than 139 affected residents receive daily meals but are unwilling to be evacuated to the community hall.
“A large percentage of houses were affected in Zwelitsha, Malema, and Elf Street, with 10 houses identified as severely flooded in St Francis Bay,” said Benson.
He further said in KwaNomzamo and Golf Course in Humansdorp, some houses are still experiencing flooding, mostly as pools in yards and streets while in Hankey, Loerie, and surrounding areas, no major incidents have been reported.
Benson said in Thornhill, only one household in Tjoksville was evacuated.
“This family of four has since returned to their house after the water subsided. No serious flooding incidents have been reported,” said Benson.
He said additional areas that have been affected include Immergroen, Duine, Galjoen, Robbie Dennis, Ocean View, Garnaal, Pelican, and 220.
“Damaged infrastructure includes most roads, especially the provincial ones like Da Gama and St Francis, where deep potholes have emerged,” said Benson.
“Aston Bay is also receiving attention, with a pump running since June 4, to remove stormwater that has been within properties since the past weekend.”
How residents can assist
The statement indicated that residents can assist by donating blankets and mattresses, which can be dropped off at the fire stations in Humansdorp and St Francis Bay.
Report
Residents are encouraged to report flooding and excessive water issues to the Kouga Municipality Call Centre WhatsApp number at 081 760 9183.
Alternatively, they can contact the Kouga Control Room at 042 291 0250 or the Kouga Incident Command Centre at 071 883 4081
