2 people dead, 4 missing after flooding in Eastern Cape

Source: EWN Traffic
Author: Mongezi Koko

JOHANNESBURG - Two people have died and four others are missing following Saturday's calamitous weather conditions in the Eastern Cape.

Kariega, Gqeberha and East London were the hardest hit by the flooding, promting emergency personnel to move at least 70 people who were at risk to various safe locations through 55 rescue operations.

In a joint effort, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), South African Police Service and rescue services were activated at around 10 pm on Saturday night during the heavy downpours.

"[It was] reported [that] a vehicle with 6 persons was trapped in the flooded Brak River, Rocklands," said NSIR spokesperson Craig Lambinon.

"One male was recovered safely from an island that had formed in the river, an adult female was swept away and is missing. The remaining 4 of these 6 people were recovered safe on the Southern side of the river. Multiple rescue operations have recovered persons safely from buildings, residences."

Lambinon added that boats and vessels were also impacted by the torrential rain.

"The Fire Station at Kariega has been flooded. At the Port of Port Elizabeth, NSRI Gqeberha, in cooperation with TNPA (Transnet National Ports Authority), are assessing reports of vessels breaking their moorings.

"At East London, NSRI East London, in cooperation with the TNPA Port of East London Port Control are assisting on the Buffalo River. At Jetties, sunken or washed away boats/vessels are breaking moorings."