Parts of the Eastern Cape have been hit with heavy rains and flash flooding, the NSRI and various other organisations are on high alert to assist people in need.
Eastern Cape, South Africa (03 June 2024) – NSRI Station 6 from Gqeberha, Station 36 from Oyster Bay, Station 37 from Jeffreys Bay and Station 7 from East London have been placed on high alert to continue supporting these communities through flooding due to heavy rains.
They urge citizens to report all emergencies on 087 094 9774. Since the flooding started in East London, the team have been involved in 10 search and rescue operations and remains on high alert to assist where needed.
NSRI East London, SA Police Services, the Police Dive Unit, Police K9 Search and Rescue, Priority Care ambulance services, BCM Traffic Services and emergency services have been lending a helping hand. They have all been based at the NSRI East London station 7 rescue base. A VOC (Volunteer Operations Centre) was also established at The City Hall by BCM authorities.
Several other areas have been equally hard hit by flooding and other water-related issues. To make sure emergency services can help as many people as possible, stay away from the beach and other waterways. Avoid driving through rivers or over bridges where water has risen above the roadway.
You can read some of the rescue efforts that have taken place here.
Operating from base stations along the SA coastline and on inland dams, rescue volunteers are on call at all hours every day of the year. The rescue crew receives no payment and neither does NSRI charge the people they rescue.
To support their heroic efforts, you can find out more here.
Below is a warning previously issued and still relevant for the current week’s weather:
“NSRI are appealing for public caution with cold fronts forecast by SAWS (South African Weather Service) predicted to impact the coastline and inland waterways.
We are appealing to shoreline anglers, boaters, commercial seafarers, and coastal hikers to be aware of rough sea conditions and the impact of forecast weather affecting the coastline and inland.
Boaters and commercial seafarers should not launch in adverse weather conditions unless absolutely necessary and wear life jackets when your vessel is underway or during commercial operations at sea.
Shoreline anglers and coastal hikers should be aware of the daily 2 high tides and 2 low tides and be cautious along the shoreline.
Bathers, surfers, paddlers, sail boarders and beachgoers should be cautious of rough seas, strong winds and strong rip currents during adverse weather-affected sea conditions and prepare accordingly without taking risks.
Do not attempt to cross through rivers and roadways affected by flooding or cross over bridges swamped by flood waters.
We are appealing to the public to monitor SAWS weather updates and their predicted impact.”
by 