The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Thembi Nkadimeng and Minister of Human Settlements, Mmamoloko Kubayi, will visit areas devastated by floods on Tuesday in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Eastern Cape.
This is after parts of the Eastern Cape were flooded this week, with the most affected areas being the Buffalo City and Nelson Mandela Bay metros.
‘The floods have unfortunately resulted in the loss of lives, while others were rescued. The floods have also displaced several people after their homes were severely affected, with some being swept away,’ a government statement read.
Government is currently assessing the extent of damage and is assisting the victims with humanitarian relief.
During the visit, the Ministers and Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane will provide direction about further government interventions.
‘Government continues to urge communities to exercise caution and be extra vigilant, especially in areas prone to flooding, and follow the regular updates and
warning messages from the South African Weather Service, as well as other authorities.’
The SABC reported that the number of people who have died because of floods in the Eastern Cape has risen to 10 after the body of a female, who went missing in the Rocklands area, was found yesterday afternoon.
According to the Eastern Cape CoGTA Department, the worst affected area in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro is Kariega.
To date, over 500 people have been evacuated and placed in community halls.
The strong rains also damaged the road infrastructure, bridges, and electricity power stations.
The provincial department said the rains have destroyed the sewerage network in Kariega, resulting in blockage of stormwater drains.
Water infrastructure in KwaNobuhle is said to have also collapsed and the community does not have running water because of the flooding.
Meanwhile, the KwaZulu-Natal government is on the ground providing humanitarian support and assisting families that have been displaced following heavy rains an
d strong winds that hit parts of the province on Monday evening.
This has wreaked havoc in different parts of the province, affecting five districts, including eThekwini metro, Ilembe, King Cetshwayo, Umzinyathi, Amajuba and Umkhanyakude District Municipalities.
According to officials, preliminary reports indicate that at least 11 people have died, with seven of them being from uThongathi in the north of eThekwini metro.
The other four fatalities were reported in Nquthu, Eshowe and KwaHlabisa.
In addition, over 55 people suffered minor to moderate injuries, and are receiving medical treatment in hospitals.
Dozens of people have been displaced and three temporary shelters have been established where the affected families are receiving humanitarian aid.
Source: South African Government News Agency