Severe storms to hit Eastern Cape, flooding risk for coastal communities

Heavy rain and severe thunderstorms are expected to hit large parts of the Eastern Cape this week, raising the risk of flooding, road damage and dangerous travel conditions.

The South African Weather Service has issued Yellow Level 6 and 8 warnings from Tuesday, 5 May to Thursday, 7 May, with authorities warning that communities could face serious disruptions.

Areas expected to be hardest hit include Buffalo City Metro, Nelson Mandela Bay, and coastal municipalities such as Great Kei, Kouga, Koukamma, Makana and Ndlambe. Flooding of settlements, roads and bridges is likely, with some communities along the coast as far as Kei Mouth at risk of temporary isolation.

For residents in Pondoland and surrounding rural areas, the warning is a direct risk to daily life. Heavy downpours can cut off gravel roads, damage weak infrastructure and make access to clinics, schools and shops difficult — especially in villages already prone to flooding.

Driving conditions are also expected to deteriorate quickly due to slippery roads and reduced visibility, increasing the chance of accidents across the province.

Eastern Cape Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Zolile Williams has urged residents to act early and avoid unnecessary risks. He warned people to move away from low-lying areas and avoid crossing flooded rivers or streams, whether on foot or by vehicle.

Local disaster management teams have been placed on high alert and are monitoring the situation, with emergency response systems ready if conditions worsen.

The coming days will be critical for many communities, especially in low-lying and coastal areas where flooding can escalate quickly.

Residents are advised to stay updated with official weather alerts, limit travel where possible, and take precautions now before conditions worsen.

More updates are expected as the weather system develops across the province.