KARIEGA communities grapple with the aftermath of floods, with stories emerging of survival and strength amidst the chaos
Time to unite to counter impact of flooding
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor Gary van Niekerk commended the concerted efforts by Disaster Management response teams and called on the community to unite to assist those in need.
“During natural disasters, the most vulnerable communities are the poor and disenfranchised. We must therefore come together as a community to assist those in need of a warm blanket and a plate of food.
“Our first responders worked around the clock to assist communities in distress, especially in the Kariega area where we unfortunately lost two people.
“The evacuation of residents to community centres in the Kariega took place. I also welcomed an offer by Gift of the Givers to provide assistance to affected residents.
“We are in contact with national and provincial human settlements departments in order to double our efforts.
“The South African Police Services are trying to locate the missing persons. We are hoping for the best and preparing for the worst as the South African Weather Services predicts more heavy rain overnight,” Mayor Van Niekerk said.
Overnight showers likely to exacerbate flooding
“With the South African Weather Services alert remaining at orange (level 6) projecting more than 50 mm of rain overnight, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s Joint Operations Centre will remain in place throughout.”
Executive Mayor Gary van Niekerk issued this assurance to Nelson Mandela Bay residents while mop-up operations started in all earnest today.
“I am especially concerned since the number of fatal incidences are increasing with at least seven residents confirmed deceased at this stage.
“The investigations into missing residents, related to the severe weather conditions, are still continuing.
“In those cases, we are hoping for the best, but persistent rainfall will make the work of our emergency teams even more difficult.
“While doing an assessment in the Kariega area, I was shocked at the stark image of a deceased person laying in the street in the Kamesh area.
“I was called to the scene where the body, forlorn amongst the rubble and debris, laid while South African Police Services gathered evidence.
“Besides a number of flooded and closed roads, I would like to remind motorists that there are also damaged road surfaces, especially in the Kariega area, that can potentially damage their vehicles.
“We are calling on residents to rather stay indoors and avoid exposure to the weather conditions to the best of their abilities,” Mayor Van Niekerk said.
Donations, especially bottled water, can be dropped off at the South End Fire Station. In case of emergencies call 041 585 1555.
For regular updates, follow the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality social media platforms.
NSRI update
At Kariega, it has come to light that the incident where 6 persons were trapped in their vehicle on the Brak River, Rocklands, it is confirmed that they entered the water at 03h00 Sunday morning. where it is believed that their vehicle was swept off a bridge into the Brak River which was unusually under flood from heavy rainfall.
NSRI has confirmed that they initially remained in their car that was trapped in the flooded river, where flood conditions increased forcing them to attempt to escape out their vehicle which was almost completely swamped.
NSRI believe that they forced the back window of the vehicle open and, while attempting to climb onto the roof of the vehicle, the mother was swept away and the dad was swept to an island that had formed in the middle of the river – there he was able to clamber to safety.
NSRI Gqeberha, NSRI Jeffreys Bay and NSRI Oyster Bay reached them after a SMHART security officer had spotted the vehicle plunging off the bridge where members were spotted huddling on the roof of the car and SMHART contacted the JOC (Joint Operations Centre) at the Church Street Police station that was being manned by NSRI duty controllers, assisted by NSRI EOC (Emergency Operations Centre) in Cape Town.
On arrival on the scene, after evaluating the situation, in tremendously dangerous flood water conditions, with debris, trees, rocks, and waste flowing down river, in heavy rain downpours and dark moonless conditions,
NSRI, Police divers, Police K9 Search and Rescue, set up a technical rope and pulley system and using an Police floating canoe (CROC, 6 INCH) NSRI rescue swimmers and Pipice divers reached the family where all 4 were brought across the flooded river, in relays, to safety.
The dad, on the island, was then rescued using the same method.
They were rewarmed, they were suffering hypothermia, in NSRI rescue vehicles with heaters on full, hydrated, and then transported to a mustering area in Kariega where they are recovering.
An extensive search was continued, by NSRI, Police divers and Police K9 Search and Rescue, into daylight, for the mom who sadly remains missing.
Our thoughts are with this family and everyone affected and displaced, by the tragic sudden flooding.
Condolences are conveyed to those who have lost loved ones.
Police are continuing in an ongoing search for 4 missing females. It is not known to NSRI if this number has changed.
Our thoughts are with the families, of those missing, in this difficult time.
These are only some of the extraordinary rescue operations carried out by NSRI and Police (local Police, Police divers and Police K9 Search and Rescue), Coastal Water Rescue, Relay ambulance services and Priority Care ambulance services during the night and into Sunday.
Assisted by DRM, Municipal authorities, Fire and Rescue Services, EMS and community services.
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