Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane has called on communities to remain on high alert as the South African Weather Services (SAWS) issued a level 6 warning about disruptive storms in the province, affecting parts of the Chris Hani District.
Municipalities that will be affected include Dr AB Xuma (formerly Engcobo), Elundini, Great Kei Local Municipality, Ingquza Hill Local Municipality,
Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, King Sabatha Dalindyebo Local Municipality,
Matatiele Local Municipality, Mbhashe Local Municipality, Mbizana Local
Municipality, Mhlontlo Local Municipality, Mnquma Local Municipality,
Ntabankulu Local Municipality, Nyandeni Local Municipality Port St Johns Local
Municipality, Sakhisizwe Local Municipality and Umzimvubu Local Municipality.
“SAWS predicts that heavy rains will fall from tonight, September 19 at around 20:00 and may continue for about three days. Four to six centimeters of snow is expected to fall. Disaster management structures in the affected areas have been activated and are preparing for any eventuality,” he said.
According to SAWS, a steepening upper air trough, surface trough and a ridging high-pressure system are expected to result in windy conditions with showers across the province.
“Flooding of roads, settlements, low lying areas and bridges with disruptions of municipal services as well as damage to property, infrastructure and loss of livelihoods (are expected),” Mabuyane said.
“Disaster management structures in the affected municipalities have been
activated and are preparing for any eventuality. We must be ready to
immediately assist communities should the need arise,” he added.
He called on communities to listen to regular weather updates via radio and social media.
This happens as Eskom has increased load shedding to state 6.
Mabuyane warned motorists to postpone traveling to avoid being caught in dangerous situations.
“Pedestrians must avoid crossing rivers, low lying bridges and swollen streams. (They must) monitor weather conditions and if need be, identify areas to safely store valuable items from flood water,” he said.
