South Africa: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in parts of Eastern Cape and Western Cape provinces as of March 24

Event

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of Eastern Cape and Western Cape provinces as of March 24. The most severe impacts from flooding have been reported in Port St John's and surrounding areas of Eastern Cape. Authorities have reported that three people are missing and around 3,000 have been evacuated following heavy rainfall since March 23. Many houses and other buildings in the area have been submerged by floodwaters, and power and water supply outages are ongoing in parts of the affected area. Flooding has also been reported in the Mnquma, Mbashe, King Sabatha Dalindyebo, Nyandeni, Ingquza, and Mbizana areas of Eastern Cape.

In Western Cape, part of the N1 highway between Touwsriver and Laingsburg was inundated by floodwaters, as were several other roads in the area around Wellington and Worcester. Power ouatges were also reported in the area March 23; however, service has largely been restored as of March 24.

Further heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast across southern, southwestern, and western regions through at least March 25. As of March 24, the South African Weather Service has issued the following weather warnings:

• Orange Level 6 (of 10) Disruptive Rain Warnings: Ingquza Hill/Lusikisiki, Nyandeni/Libode, and Port St John's municipalities in Eastern Cape Province.

• Orange Level 5 Severe Thunderstorm Warnings: Parts of northwestern and western Western Cape Province.

• Yellow Level 2 Disruptive Rain Warnings: Parts of eastern Eastern Cape and western KwaZulu-Natal provinces.

• Yellow Level 2 Severe Thunderstorm Warnings: Parts of central and southern Northern Cape and central, southwestern, and western Western Cape provinces.

• Yellow Level 1 and 2 Damaging Wind Warnings: Across much of the southern coastline.

Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

Further heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rain has saturated the soil.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected region. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Reconfirm the status of road routes before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

South African Weather Service