Heavy rainfall associated with a cut-off low-pressure system has caused widespread flooding, road closures and hazardous driving conditions across the Nelson Mandela Bay region, with Kariega among the hardest-hit areas.
The severe weather comes as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) upgraded its disruptive rainfall warning for Nelson Mandela Bay and surrounding areas to Level 8, warning of significant flooding, infrastructure damage and dangerous travel conditions. Forecasts indicate that some parts of the metro could receive up to 200 mm of rain over a two-day period.
In a statement, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) stated that in Kariega, flooding has forced the closure of several roads, including the corner of Roswell Gradwell and North Street in Mosel and the intersection of Graaff-Reinet Road and Channer Street. “Motorists have also been warned about flooded conditions along Mosel Road and the R75 near Daniels Cheetah Farm, where both lanes have been affected by rising water levels,” they stated.
Floodwaters have also impacted Kurland Road towards Deranco in Perseverance, where access is currently limited to trucks and 4×4 vehicles, while dangerous conditions have been reported on St Albans Road between St Albans and Freddies, where a river is flowing across the roadway. “Sections of the R75 towards Kariega have also been closed due to flooding,” they added.
The NMBM added that in Gqeberha, authorities have reported flooding on Kabega Road near WeBuyCars, while the Third Avenue dip in Newton Park remains closed to all traffic due to flooding. “Barricades have been erected and no vehicles are being permitted through the area,” they noted. “Flooding has also affected sections of the M4 Settlersway behind North End, with motorists able to use only the remaining open lanes under traffic management measures.”
They added that municipal officials continue to monitor key waterways, with the De Mist Canal nearing capacity as large volumes of water flow through the system. “The Jubilee Canal remains stable but is still being closely monitored.”
The severe weather has already prompted the Eastern Cape Department of Education to suspend classes at schools in high-risk areas across Nelson Mandela Bay and several surrounding municipalities. Meanwhile, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s Joint Operations Centre remains activated, with disaster management and emergency services on high alert.
Authorities have urged residents to avoid flooded roads, rivers and streams, obey all road closure signs and postpone non-essential travel until conditions improve. “Motorists and pedestrians are warned that conditions can change rapidly as heavy rain continues across the metro, with officials cautioning residents never to drive or walk through flowing water,” they stated.
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