By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Gift of the Givers volunteers have joined relief efforts in Buffalo City and Nelson Mandela Bay following a weekend of heavy rain that caused flooding across the region.
At least three people were reported deceased in the two metros as heavy rain flooded roads and damaged homes.
One woman in East London was killed in an accident in West Bank.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) spokesperson Craig Lambinon said at least 70 people had so far been safely relocated to various mustering points in 55 rescue operations.
He added that various emergency services, as well as the local police’s K9 Search and Rescue teams, were on the ground to assist where possible.
Multiple rescue operations remain under way.
Videos posted on social media show water gushing into a garage and lifting a vehicle. Some residents can be seen wading through knee-deep water inside their homes and in the street.
Gift of the Givers founder, Imtiaz Sooliman said they have been in communication with the two Metros from Saturday night and in the early hours of Sunday morning.
He said there’s been infrastructure damage, loss of life, missing and injured people, and a fire station underwater.
“Gift of the Givers has the full support of EC SAPS PC, General Lillian Mene, and General Vuyisile Ncata, Head of SAPS command in Gqeberha. Denise van Huyssteen, CEO of NMB Business Chamber has offered all possible assistance and so have corporate companies.
Gift of the Givers teams in East London and Gqeberha will be supported by team members from Cape Town, George, and Adelaide with emergency supplies already being loaded at these centres.
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Zolile Williams said teams were on site attending flooded roads and houses.
Emergency services have been working throughout the night and are still working and searching to assist people affected by the flooding.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” said Williams.
He said officials in the Provincial Disaster Management Centre was monitoring the situation as the rain weather is expected to continue until Monday.
The SA Weather Service (SAWS) on Sunday issued an Orange Level 6 warning (high likelihood, significant impact) for disruptive rain along the coast of the Eastern Cape, and a Yellow Level 2 warning (high likelihood, minor impact) for disruptive rain in the interior of the Eastern Cape.