The number of displaced residents across the Buffalo City Metro has risen to 2,234 and is expected to rise further.
This is after rain wreaked havoc across the city, flooding homes and damaging roads at the weekend.
Displaced residents have been accommodated in community halls in Mdantsane, Braelyn and Mzamomhle and others are being moved to chalets, old age homes and temporary housing structures.
Municipal spokesperson Samkelo Ngwenya said the possibility of undertaking mop-up operations had diminished as the metro was bracing for more rain.
“Disruptive rains leading to flooding of settlements, property, roads, danger to life with some communities temporarily cut off are expected.”
He said the SA Weather Service had issued an orange level 6 warning for disruptive rain and the possibility of flooding.
Eleven wards across the metro have been affected.
Ngwenya said rescue operations were continuous and emergency teams remained on high alert.
“The floods have claimed two lives in BCM,” he said.
“The metro is pleading with residents not to attempt driving across or otherwise crossing any flooded areas.
“Residents are advised to evacuate from flood plains and low-lying areas,” he said
He advised residents to follow weather warnings and take heed of safety tips issued by the metro on various media platforms.
“The metro is asking the community and all sectors of our society to donate clothing, blankets, mattresses, groceries, canned food, baby food and toys for children,” he said.
The metro was also calling on organisations which could do so to provide hot meals for the displaced people.
“The BCMM Disaster Centre can be contacted in this regard on 043-705-9000.
“All other non-perishable items can be dropped at the East London City Hall between office hours 8am and 4.30pm.”
A total of 454 electrical faults in various areas in East London, Mdantsane and Qonce have been reported.
Ngwenya said beaches remained closed, as sea conditions were still dangerous with debris and floating objects in the water posing danger.
“Several roads in East London remain closed and are being monitored due to flooding.
“Regular updates will be provided by the traffic department about closed roads and alternative routes,” Ngwenya said.
He urged residents to be on high alert as more disruptive rain was predicted for the the weekend.
Transport department spokesperson Unathi Binqose said all the mountain passes which had been closed to traffic in the province had been reopened to traffic and the snowfall had stopped.
“Though drivable, roads remain hazardous to motorists as they are wet and slippery,” he said.
“Motorists are urged to approach them with extreme caution.”
Binqose said the old R61 road at the Mlengana Pass had partially collapsed due to a mudslide and a bridge at Sdubi Port in Cofimvaba was structurally compromised and might have to be closed soon.
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