Nelson Mandela Bay floods have claimed five more lives which brings the death toll to seven. Emergency services in the region said some residents were trapped by the floods while others drowned in their backyards.

BE CAUTIOUS

This morning, MEC for the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Zolila Williams, went to the provincial disaster management centre to assess the extent of the disaster and to visit the residents who have been immensely affected by the floods. The worst affected area in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro (NMB) is reported to be Kariega, where 530 people have been evacuated from their homes and placed in community halls. "530 people were evacuated in Kariega; 200 in Kwadwesi and Qunu while 89 people were evacuated in Langa and Greenfields. Some schools in Kariega have also closed for the day and the transportation around the area has been disrupted due to road closures." Williams said.

FATALITIES

NMB Mayor, Gary van Niekerk, confirmed that the death toll stands at seven. "I am especially concerned since the number of fatalities is increasing, with at least seven residents confirmed deceased at this stage. The investigations into missing residents related to the severe weather conditions are still continuing. In those cases, we are hoping for the best, but persistent rainfall will make the work of our emergency teams even more difficult." Van Niekerk said the municipality's disaster management teams would remain on high alert.