KARIEGA – Heavy rains associated with a cut-off low-pressure system brought widespread showers across the Eastern Cape this week, with Kariega recording 63.4mm of rainfall within a 24-hour period between 05 and 06 May, according to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s (NMBM) Joint Operations Centre.
While the heavy rain raised concern among residents and officials, the impact has, so far, been significantly less severe than the devastating flash floods of 2024, during which more than 200mm of rain fell within hours, inundating large parts of the town and displacing numerous families.
The NMBM has urged residents across the Metro to exercise extreme caution as rainfall intensifies, warning of localised flooding, dangerous driving conditions and rising water levels in low-lying areas. Residents have been advised to avoid flooded roads and crossings, limit unnecessary travel, and keep children away from stormwater channels and rivers. Emergency teams remain on high alert, with the public urged to report hazardous conditions to disaster management services.
In KwaNobuhle, several low-lying areas remain under close watch due to their high flood risk. Ward 45 Councillor Sabelo Mabuda has identified streets including Mabandla Road, Lucas Street, Lundani Street, Knockpal Street, Kasibe Street, Mxenge Street, Magwa Street, Mbali Street, Mdlalo Street and Jibiliza Street as particularly vulnerable.
He further raised concern over partially and fully blocked stormwater systems and canals along Zolile Nogcazi and Dowse Street, noting that these contributed to flooding during previous incidents.
“Rising water is concerning, let’s act before it gets serious,” Mabuda said, calling for urgent stormwater jetting interventions in the affected areas.
Municipal teams have since commenced jetting operations to clear stormwater drains, with officials indicating that preventative measures were implemented in high-risk zones ahead of the rainfall.
Ward 48 Councillor Franay van de Linde confirmed that, at the time of reporting, no major flooding had occurred in her ward, although informal settlement dwellings experienced water ingress owing to roof leaks. She added that canal levels had risen but had not reached overflow stage, with a steady flow and minimal debris observed.
Ward 49 Councillor Georgen Miggels said that some residents in his ward were advised to evacuate as a precautionary measure, though some were reluctant to leave their homes owing to fears of looting. Similar incidents were reported during the 2024 floods, when residents who evacuated to shelters returned to find their homes ransacked.
Ward 51 Councillor Roelf Basson said the situation had been largely contained. “Apart from electrical outages, we didn’t have that much damage and flooding. It was handled very well. We took care of high-risk areas beforehand to prevent flooding to a large degree,” he said.
The municipality confirmed that all emergency services remain operational, with fuel supplies boosted through donations to ensure continued response capability. “Service delivery directorates, including water, electricity, roads and stormwater, are functioning, while disaster management teams continue to monitor conditions,” they said in a statement.
As part of ongoing mitigation efforts, rehabilitation work was done on the Kat Canal in Kariega to repair damaged infrastructure, clear obstructions and stabilise canal systems. The municipality stated that the project was critical in reducing the risk of structural failure and protecting nearby communities from potential flooding.
Despite the relatively controlled impact, the Metro remains on a Level 5 alert, with a 100% chance of further rainfall forecast. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant, avoid flooded roads and low-lying areas, and follow official safety advisories.
Emergency shelters have been made available across Kariega and surrounding areas, including Babs Madlakane Hall in KwaNobuhle, Kabhah (Xaba) Langa Hall, Daleview Hall in Despatch and Khayamnandi Community Hall, should conditions deteriorate.
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