A 12-year-old Eastern Cape schoolgirl has become the first casualty of the heavy rain over the province which has led to the evacuation of hundreds of people at Port St Johns.
The Alfred Nzo District Municipality said that the girl drowned in a river at Lubhacweni Village in KwaBhaca, formerly known as Mount Frere.
"It is understood that the young girl was trying to cross an overflowing bridge to the next area within the village," said Municipality spokesperson, Lubabalo Majenge.
He said the Municipality expressed its condolences to the family of the child and also appealed to communities to remain vigilant and calm during this rainy period.
"We urge them not to cross overflowing bridges as many of the bridges in rural areas across the District Municipality are overflowing," he said.
Majenge said that the rain has caused localised flooding, washing away bridges while others are overflowing in many rural roads across the district, Mbizana being most affected. Many access roads were also damaged by the floods.
"Our Disaster Management Teams are continuing to monitor the situation are on standby for immediate response and rescue. For any assistance people can call disaster management centre on 039 254 0748," Majenge said.
