By Anita Dangazele
Heavy rain and flooding have once again forced many people out of their homes in Nelson Mandela Bay, with Kariega being the hardest hit.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a level 6 warning for heavy rain on Monday and Tuesday, predicting flooding and road closures.
In Kariega’s Lower Central and Jubilee Park areas, people were evacuated to a nearby school as heavy rain flooded the canal running through the area.
Municipal spokesperson Sithembiso Soyaya said the residents were taken to local churches and community centres, with the Kariega town hall also opened as a shelter.
He said the municipality had to evacuate people from the Lapland informal settlement again.
These residents were badly affected by floods in June and were still waiting to be moved to new temporary homes in Van Rooyen when floods struck again on Monday.
Other areas evacuated included Dr Braun in Kariega, where people were moved to the De Mist NG Church.
Gift of the Givers spokesperson Ali Sablay said they received many calls and were working with local disaster teams. They are providing blankets, mattresses, hygiene packs and food to affected people. Teams will also be on the ground early on Tuesday to help.
SAWS meteorologist Lelo Kleinbooi said 118mm of rain fell between 8am on Monday and 2am on Tuesday in Gqeberha, while Coega had 55mm and Kariega recorded 136mm.
“Rain is expected for the rest of the day, but it will be lighter in the afternoon,” said Kleinbooi.
This is a developing story.
Pictured above: A Motherwell home flooded after heavy rain on Monday night into Tuesday morning.
Source: Supplied
