GQEBERHA – Disaster relief operations have been stepped up across Nelson Mandela Bay as severe flooding continues to disrupt communities, damage infrastructure and force ongoing school closures, while authorities assess the full extent of the impact.

A Level 6 weather warning for heavy rain was issued by the South African Weather Service on Wednesday, after which persistent downpours have continued across the metro, resulting in widespread flooding and disruption.

Humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers has deployed teams across multiple affected areas, providing urgent assistance including food parcels, hot meals, blankets and essential supplies to families displaced or severely affected by the storms.

ALSO READ: Flooding closes bridge on R367 as heavy rainfall batters Kariega, Despatch

The organisation confirmed, on social media, that its teams are currently stationed at the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, which is serving as one of the official relief collection and coordination points in the metro.

“Every donation, every act of kindness and every helping hand brings hope to families affected by the floods,” the organisation said, adding that partnerships with local structures have been critical in sustaining relief efforts.

Communities in KwaZakhele, Kuyga, Missionvale, Bethelsdorp, Walmer, New Rest and Zwelidinga have already received assistance as emergency teams continue working in areas where homes were damaged and power outages persist.

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

Schools remain closed

The Eastern Cape Department of Education has extended the suspension of classes to Friday, 8 May, as heavy rains, strong winds and flooding continue to pose safety risks for learners and staff.

Authorities said the decision was taken following continued weather alerts and worsening conditions linked to a cut-off low-pressure system affecting parts of the province.

Districts including Nelson Mandela Bay, Sarah Baartman and Buffalo City Metro remain under heightened risk, with officials instructed to prioritise safety and ensure schools only reopen once conditions stabilise.

Contingency plans are expected to be implemented to recover lost teaching time once it is safe to resume normal operations.

Flood damage assessment underway

Municipal and emergency teams are continuing assessments of widespread infrastructure damage, including flooded roads, compromised bridges and erosion hotspots across the metro.

Ward 6 councillor Gert Engelbrecht said while some road pooling has subsided, significant hazards remain.

“New potholes have formed and existing potholes have deepened. Please continue to exercise caution while driving,” he said, noting that officials are monitoring key road sections still under stress.

Several major routes remain closed or affected due to flooding and structural damage:

• 3rd Avenue Dip – Closed
• Addo Road (Malinga Street to Buick Street) – Closed
• R75 between Verwoerd Drive and northern section – Closed due to bridge damage, with engineers on site
• Boswell Street on-ramp to M4 Freeway – Closed
• Amsterdamhoek Road – Still flooded
• Maitlands Road – Flooded between camping grounds and beach entrance

Motorists have been urged to avoid affected areas, use alternative routes where possible, and exercise extreme caution as wet and unstable road conditions persist.

ALSO READ: Flooding forces temporary closure of Gqeberha Community Health Centre