The Eastern Cape has been battered by heavy rains, leaving a trail of destruction and widespread localised flooding. Roads in East London, part of Kariega and Gqeberha are virtually impassable, with residents struggling to navigate the waterlogged streets. The Gqeberha floods have caused significant disruption, forcing many people to abandon their homes. Tragically, two casualties have been reported, and scores of others have been left homeless.
The N2 has been closed from John Tallant Road, Deal Party side, heading towards Gqeberha after debris washed onto it in the early hours of Tuesday 4 June 2024. Traffic police were re-directing vehicles as efforts to clear the debris commenced early Tuesday morning.
Hundreds trapped in Gqeberha floods
In Gqeberha, the relentless downpour has overwhelmed the city’s drainage systems, leading to severe flooding in numerous neighbourhoods. The Gqeberha floods have wreaked havoc on infrastructure, with roads submerged and properties damaged. Emergency services have been working tirelessly to rescue those trapped in their homes and to provide temporary shelter for those displaced by the rising waters.
The situation in East London is equally dire. The heavy rains have rendered many roads unusable, isolating communities and complicating relief efforts. The Gqeberha floods have highlighted the vulnerability of urban areas to extreme weather events, with many residents expressing frustration at the lack of preparedness and infrastructure to cope with such crises.
WATCH: The N2 near Deal Party, Gqeberha, has been closed traffic as a result of bad weather. Video Supplied on Whatsapp Group
In the past, similar floods have wreaked havoc in KwaZulu-Natal, costing billions of rands in damages and displacing thousands of people. The Gqeberha floods serve as a stark reminder of the devastating impact that extreme weather can have on communities and the urgent need for better flood management systems.
Local authorities have urged residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel while the emergency services continue to respond to the crisis. The government has pledged to provide immediate assistance to those affected and to work on long-term solutions to prevent such disasters in the future.
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