What Happened
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Level 2 warning for severe weather in Nelson Mandela Bay, effective from Monday. This warning comes as a cut-off low approaches from the north-western interior, raising concerns about heavy downpours and potential flooding.
Why It Matters
Residents and officials are particularly anxious due to the area’s previous experiences with severe flooding, which was described as “man-made” due to infrastructure failures such as blocked stormwater drains and uncleared debris. The Level 2 warning applies to several municipalities across the Eastern Cape and is in effect for 24 hours. The last major flooding event in the metro occurred two years ago, causing extensive damage to infrastructure and homes.
What’s Next
Despite the municipality’s claims of improved preparedness, concerns remain about the effectiveness of interventions in high-risk areas. The weather forecast indicates that conditions will remain unstable, with further thunderstorms expected in the central and eastern parts of the country. Residents are advised to stay vigilant and monitor updates from the SAWS as the situation develops.
