By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Heavy rainfall over the weekend has devastated Nelson Mandela Bay residents with at least seven fatalities reported and approximately 500 residents dealing with the aftermath of flooding.
According to a media statement by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, seven people have been confirmed dead in various areas around the metro.
The statement explained that 350 residents from the flood-affected areas of Qunu, Jachtacter, and Vastrap were relocated to Booysens Park Community Hall while 100 residents from Moolerground were transferred to Missionvale Primary School.
Unfortunately, 57 residents from Daku and Korea refused relocation due to concerns about their belongings.
The statement further said that it is unknown where 10 residents from Doorenhook have been relocated to while 50 residents from Veteklep have been relocated to Nomzamo Pre-Primary School.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his condolences to the families who have lost loved ones due to severe flooding in the Eastern Cape.
Areas most hit by the inclement weather are Nelson Mandela Bay, Buffalo City and Kariega.
“The loss of life, destruction of public infrastructure and the loss of personal property brought about by the forces of nature saddens all of us as South Africans.
“The aftermath of these occurrences is best overcome when we work together in the way we are seeing in the Eastern Cape, “Ramaphosa said.
The President urged South Africans to heed weather warnings.
“Ramaphosa commends the way in which authorities, communities, non-governmental organisations and individuals are dealing with rescue and recovery efforts, including the rehousing of a significant number of families who have been displaced.
Gift of the Givers donated 1,000 blankets, warm clothing, personal hygiene items and bags of nutritional cereal to the victims.
“Given the potential impacts of the winter season on various parts of the country, Ramaphosa urges the public to keep safe by heeding weather alerts and exercising greater care and restraint on our roads in poor weather conditions.
“The President also calls on citizens to reach out to vulnerable members of their families and communities, to make this season as comfortable and safe as possible for people who have limited resources or live on their own,” the statement read.