Heavy rainfall over the weekend has devastated Nelson Mandela Bay residents with at least six fatalities reported and approximately 500 residents dealing with the aftermath of flooding. Homes have been destroyed, streets flooded, and the impact has extended to local schools, where exams have been postponed.
Although Kariega was hit hard by the floods, Gqeberha homeowners and residents experienced significant impacts from the heavy rainfall throughout the weekend.
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Financial impact
According to a media statement by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, six people have been confirmed dead in various areas around the metro.
Four people were declared deceased in Kariega and, two in Gqeberha.
The statement explained that 350 residents from the flood-affected areas of Qunu, Jachtacter, and Vastrap were relocated to Booysens Park Community Hall while 100 residents from Moolerground were transferred to Missionvale Primary School.
Unfortunately, 57 residents from Daku and Korea refused relocation due to concerns about their belongings.
The statement further said that it is unknown where 10 residents from Doorenhook have been relocated to while 50 residents from Veteklep have been relocated to Nomzamo Pre-Primary School.
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Damage to homes in Blue Horizon Bay
According to Port Elizabeth Traffic Updates, a sand dune collapse resulted in the destruction of a house in Blue Horizon Bay.
Additionally, on June 2, roads leading to Blue Horizon Bay were flooded, and floodwaters washed some homes away into the ocean.
Gift of the Givers
In a statement, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of the Gift of the Givers, expressed readiness to assist areas in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality heavily affected by the recent weekend floods.
“Gift of the Givers teams in Gqeberha will be supported by team members from Cape Town, George and Adelaide with emergency supplies already being loaded at these centres, whilst additional items will be procured locally,” the statement said.
“Support from the head office in Pietermaritzburg, if needed, will be dispatched.”
“We are busy arranging warehousing in the various centers. More details as the situation unfold.”
Some schools such as Uitenhage High School, Muir College Boys’ High School, and Solomon Mahlangu High School in Kariega have decided to postpone Grade 8 to 11 June exams, due to severe weather conditions.
President Cyril Ramaphosa offered his condolences to families in the Eastern Cape who have lost loved ones to floods that have affected Nelson Mandela Bay.
In a statement, Ramaphosa said his thoughts are also with the families of residents who have been reported missing.
“The loss of life, destruction of public infrastructure and the loss of personal property brought about by the forces of nature saddens all of us as South Africans,” the statement said.
“The aftermath of these occurrences is best overcome when we work together in the way we are seeing in the Eastern Cape.”
