2000 people brought to safety due to flooding in PE area last night

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

The National Sea Rescue Institute says it remains on high alert along parts of the coastline in the Western Cape, Southern Cape and Eastern Cape.

NSRI spokesperson, Craig Lambinon says so far, only a few isolated incidents have seen duty crews mobilized to assist with incidents.

He says the NSRI in Knysna assisted to evacuate 4 people cut off by rising waters at Red Bridge on the Knysna river, and a further 4 people were rescued at Cranmere following incidents of low lying areas cut off by rising waters.

No injuries were reported.

Evacuated

More than 2000 people have been evacuated to places of safety due to flooding in Nelson Mandela Bay.

Police spokesperson, Capt. John Fobian says there were reports of flooding in Kwanoxolo, Kleinskool, Salt Lake, Missionvale, Nooitgedacht, Motherwell, and Wells Estate.

He says various roads had to be closed due to the flooding, including Old Uitenhage Road, Third Avenue Dip in Newton Park, and Seaview Road in the Bushy Park area. All major passes in the province remain closed due to snow.

Fobian says 4 of Nelson Mandela bay's main supply dams are overflowing, he also warned pedestrians and motorists not to cross overflowing bridges.

St Francis Bay

Meanwhile, we have learnt that the Sand River bridge at St Francis Bay survived the high water levels last night, and has been re-opened to traffic.

However, Kouga Municipality spokesperson, Laura-Leigh Randall says motorists should drive with caution and to keep to the middle of the bridge.