Seven people have died, and more than 1300 others evacuated following floods that have affected the Nelson Mandela Bay, Buffalo City, Kariega and other parts of the Eastern Cape.
Floods damaged cars, houses, infrastructure, and displaced residents have been accommodated in community halls, churches, chalets, old age homes and temporary housing structures.
Several areas are still without water following the heavy rains.
The floods come after the South African Weather Service, issued a warning last week.
“After a relatively dry and warmer-than-usual month of May, South Africans can expect the first significant drop in daytime temperatures over the coming days, with showers and thundershowers possible across most parts and even some snow over elevated areas.
This is a result of a developing cutoff low-pressure system (the northwards displacement of a low-pressure in the upper levels of the atmosphere) over the western and southern parts of the country from Sunday into Monday (2 to 3 June).
Cut-off low-pressure systems are commonly associated with widespread rainfall, snowfall, strong to gale-force winds, and rough sea conditions in winter,” read a statement from weather service.
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has offered his deep condolences to families who lost loved ones to floods, that his thoughts are also with the families of residents who have been reported missing.
“The loss of life, destruction of public infrastructure and the loss of personal property brought about by the forces of nature saddens all of us as South Africans.
The aftermath of these occurrences is best overcome when we work together in the way we are seeing in the Eastern Cape,” said Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa commended the way in which authorities, communities, non-governmental organisations, and individuals are dealing with rescue and recovery efforts, including the rehousing of a significant number of families who have been displaced.
Given the potential impacts of the winter season on various parts of the country, Ramaphosa urged the public to keep safe by heeding weather alerts and exercising greater care and restraint on our roads in poor weather conditions.
The President also called on citizens to reach out to vulnerable members of their families and communities, to make this season as comfortable and safe as possible for people who have limited resources or live on their own.
Meanwhile, City of Tshwane and City of Joburg Emergency Management Services are on stand-by to deal with any flood-related incidents.
Both services have urged residents to exercise caution and not to leave heating devices unattended.
The North West Emergency Services said it is liaising with municipalities to monitor any emergencies.
