The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of a Level 2 weather warning for disruptive rains expected throughout the Eastern Cape from 9 June to 10 June.
The disruptive rain began at 11:00 on 9 June and will continue until 17:59 on 10 June.
The affected areas are: Blue Crane Route, Dr Beyers Naude – Graaff-Reinet, Elundini, Emalahleni, Engcobo, Enoch Magijima – Komani, Enoch Magijima – Molteno, Enoch Magijima – Tarkastad, Intsika Yethu, Inxuba Yethemba, Matatiele, Nelson Mandela Bay, Raymond Mhlaba – Adelaide, Sakhisizwe, Senqu, Sundays River Valley, Walter Sisulu – Burgersdorp and Walter Sisulu – Jamestown.
Following the Level 2 weather warning, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has offered the following emergency readiness protocols for the metro:
• All relevant municipal departments and other emergency stakeholders are placed on high alert and on standby for any emergency.
• A 24-hour Joint Operations Centre (JOC) is fully operational at the South End DMC as of 16:00 on 9 June 2025.
• A secondary JOC will be activated in the Kariega and Despatch area to coordinate localised responses.
• Emergency or temporary shelters have been availed in high-risk areas.
Residents can expect cold conditions, rainfall across the province, with heavy downpours expected in places on Monday into Tuesday.
Windy conditions are also expected along the east coast by Tuesday morning with very rough seas expected.
The impact will be localised flooding and damage to settlements (formal/informal), roads, bridges and isolated mudslides.
People can expect difficult and dangerous driving conditions due to slippery roads and reduced visibility, especially on dirt roads.
Localised and short-term disruption to municipal services is expected. There is danger to life from fast-flowing streams and deep water.
Residents have been advised not to cross swollen or flooded rivers.
The public is advised to take necessary precautions to secure their properties and move valuables to higher places.
They are also advised to be aware of flooded areas when driving and try to avoid them if possible, especially areas that are prone to flooding.
Listen to regular weather updates via radio and/or social media.
The Municipality and other emergency stakeholders are fully mobilised and prepared to mitigate risks and respond to emergencies.
However, the public is strongly urged to remain vigilant and exercise extreme caution.
Residents are advised to:
• Avoid unnecessary travel – roads may become flooded and dangerous.
• Stay indoors where possible and monitor official alerts.
• Do not cross flooded roads, bridges, or rivers – this is especially critical for drivers, children and pedestrians.
• Secure important items and evacuate low-lying areas when necessary.
• Report emergencies via municipal hotlines or emergency services on 041 508 5566 or 041 508 5567 or 087 774 8167.
The Municipality urges residents to stay informed through official channels, including ward and PR councillor, radio broadcasts and verified social media accounts.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Cape Department of Transport has advised motorists to use alternative routes after continuous snowfall has led to the closure of Lootsberg Pass located on the N9 between Graaff-Reinet and Middelburg on 9 June.