The severe weather conditions affected several locations in two eastern provinces. The Eastern Cape province was particularly hard-hit, with a spokesperson from Nelson Mandela Bay municipality confirming 11 deaths in the heart of the flooding. More than 2,000 residents have been evacuated from the area, particularly from makeshift homes in the municipality's slums. Authorities have launched an appeal for donations of clothing, food, and blankets to assist those displaced by the floods.
In the neighboring province of KwaZulu-Natal, at least 11 people have died in and around the port city of Durban. Provincial authorities have declared a state of alert. A government statement from the province indicated that 55 individuals have sustained minor to moderate injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment in hospitals. Additionally, at least 120 people have been displaced, and three temporary shelters have been established to accommodate them.
This disaster recalls the devastating floods that struck Durban and its surrounding areas in 2022, which led to mudslides and claimed the lives of over 400 people.
Rescue services have been deployed in both affected provinces since Monday night to assist in recovery efforts. The flooding has caused significant damage, flattening homes, flooding roads, felling trees, and causing energy blackouts in some areas.
The national meteorological institute has attributed the extreme weather to a "cut off low" pressure system, characterized by heavy rains, a cold snap, hail, snow, and strong winds. The eastern Indian Ocean coast has been particularly affected by the heavy rainfall. Meteorological services have issued weather alerts in four of South Africa's nine provinces, warning of continued adverse conditions.
Local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and provide assistance to those impacted by the flooding. (ILKHA)