The South African Weather Service has issued a Level 8 warning for destructive rain in parts of the Eastern Cape on Wednesday. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel as heavy rain and strong winds persist. Kouga Municipality's disaster teams are on high alert preparing for potential flooding.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has cautioned Eastern Cape residents to stay on high alert amid ongoing inclement weather. A Level 8 warning for destructive rain was issued for Wednesday, targeting areas in Koukamma and Kouga municipalities, with risks of flooding in low-lying settlements and roads.
Eastern Cape weather forecaster Ayabonga Tshungwana stated, “In areas like Nelson Mandela Bay and Koukamma, the South African Weather Service has issued Level 8 warnings in some areas like Aberdeen … and Orange Level 6 in other areas. This precipitation is accompanied by strong winds, which will affect coastal areas.”
Kouga Municipality in the Sarah Baartman District reports its disaster management teams are actively preparing following the SAWS warning. The alert forecasts widespread rainfall with high risks of flooding and infrastructure damage across the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and extending to Free State.
Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman of Kouga Municipality said, “Our teams have been clearing block storm water over the last few days. We know the areas that usually flood and our teams are on standby. ... While we are thankful for the rain, we got to make sure that we protect our infrastructure and lives of residents.”