By: Nosipho Haya-Komisa
Buffalo City Metro Disaster Management team is on high alert to ensure the safety of its communities, following a weather warning issued by the South African Weather Service on cold and wet weather conditions in the province this weekend.
According to the South African Weather Service, an intense cold front associated with an upper cut-off pressure system is expected to hit the province.
Yesterday the South African Weather Service predicted that the cut-off-low associated with a ridging high will move over the Eastern Cape resulting in localized flooding due to rain with heavier showers exceeding 50mm over the southeastern region of the Eastern Cape today.
In a statement issued by Buffalo City Metro Municipality yesterday, BCMM spokesperson Samkelo Ngwenya has urged motorists and pedestrians to be extra vigilant as the road will be slippery.
“Localized flooding of informal settlements or roads, low-lying areas and bridges. There will be difficult driving conditions on dirt roads and minor vehicle accidents due to slippery roads. There can be a chance localised mudslides and rock falls,” he said.
Ngwenya has urged people to stay indoors and practice necessary safety precautions during these heavy rainfalls.
“If possible stay indoors and off the roads, avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles. If trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon it and climb to higher ground. In rural areas protect or relocate animals to a safe place on higher ground,” he said.