Destructive floods hit Eastern Cape, South Africa

Heavy rains affecting South Africa's Eastern Cape on January 8 and 9, 2022, have left several people dead and scores displaced.

The floods affected areas of Mthatha, Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, the township of Mdantsane, and areas of East London, leaving at least 7 people dead, including 53-year-old police search and rescue member who died while rescuing people swept away during the floods.

According to the Buffalo City Metro Municipality (BCMM), torrential rains left scores of houses and informal settlements in and around the metro severely damaged.¹

Scores of residents, mainly in the township of Mdantsane, were displaced, with roads in some parts completely submerged.

"Yesterday, we were all over the place trying to manage the damage. Today we should be in a better position to have an assessment of how many homes were affected, how many families have been displaced and maybe an estimated cost of the damage," BCMM municipality spokesperson Samkelo Ngwenya said Sunday, January 9.²

"Some families wanted to leave, and some wanted to stay behind. In informal settlements, it is easier to evacuate people. In formal households, some people don't really want to leave their homes even if they are damaged."

Heavy rains continue affecting the country and the South African Weather Service has issued severe thunderstorm warnings for Northern and Western Cape provinces.

References:

¹ South Africa – Deadly Floods Hit Eastern Cape – FloodList

² Mop up operations begin after Mdantsane in Eastern Cape flooding – one dead – News24

Featured image credit: Gugu Phandle