NELSON MANDELA BAY MUNICIPALITY DEMONSTRATES HIGH LEVELS OF DISASTER READINESS AND COORDINATED RESPONSE AMID SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS
Published: May 06, 2026<< BACK TO NEWS
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The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality confirms that its Disaster Management Centre has fully activated the Joint Operations Centre, ensuring a coordinated, rapid, and well-resourced response to severe weather conditions currently affecting the Metro.
This follows a Level 6 to Level 8 severe weather warning issued by the South African Weather Service on 04 May 2026, indicating disruptive rainfall, flooding, and heightened risk across the Eastern Cape.
In line with established disaster preparedness protocols, the Municipality initiated early coordination measures, including Disaster Management Advisory Forum engagements on 04 May 2026, followed by continuous multi stakeholder coordination sessions on 05 May 2026. These engagements ensured a state of operational readiness across all critical municipal services and response partners.
The Joint Operations Centre is operating on a 24-hour basis, integrating response efforts across Infrastructure and Engineering, Roads and Stormwater, Electricity and Energy, Fire and Emergency Services, Traffic Services, and Disaster Management, supported by provincial government, SAPS, NSRI, NGOs and humanitarian partners.
The Municipality confirms that intensified and ongoing stormwater maintenance programmes, significantly strengthened following lessons from previous flood events, have played a critical role in mitigating the impact of current rainfall across the Metro. Proactive interventions, including continuous clearing of stormwater drains, desilting of canals, and routine inspection of high-risk drainage infrastructure, have improved system capacity and reduced the severity of flooding in several affected areas. These preventative measures form part of a sustained, citywide approach to building resilience and ensuring improved disaster preparedness.
The Municipality has demonstrated strong operational readiness through:
- Full activation of disaster response systems and coordination structures.
- Pre deployment of response teams to high risk and flood prone areas.
- Proactive clearing and continuous monitoring of stormwater systems.
- Real time incident tracking and response coordination.
- Activation of emergency shelters across the Metro.
- Effective intergovernmental and multi-agency collaboration,
The Municipality acknowledges that fuel supply constraints were experienced, except for emergency services. Decisive mitigation measures were implemented with urgency, and the situation has now been fully stabilised. Fuel availability has been restored, and all critical and service delivery operations are fully operational. The Municipality takes full accountability for this disruption and confirms that systems have been reinforced to prevent recurrence during ongoing operations.
While multiple flooding incidents have been reported across several wards, including KwaZakhele, Motherwell, Kariega, KwaDwesi, Bethelsdorp, Missionvale, and KwaNobuhle, the Municipality’s coordinated response has ensured that impacts are being actively managed.
At this stage:
- No fatalities have been reported
- No serious injuries have been recorded
- One motor vehicle accident was reported on the N2 near Cotswold, with minor injuries
Emergency evacuations have been conducted where required, including:
- 19 residents safely evacuated and accommodated at Lilian Ngoyi Community Hall in KwaZakhele.
- A wheelchair bound resident safely evacuated from Mayfair Avenue in Fernglen.
Additional evacuation arrangements remain in place for at risk communities, including Qunu Informal Settlement.
The Municipality continues to prioritise the protection of vulnerable residents, including children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Displaced residents are being supported with essential relief, including shelter, bedding, and coordinated humanitarian assistance.
The Joint Operations Centre continues to monitor all incidents in real time, with response teams actively deployed across affected areas. Technical teams are addressing flooding, drainage blockages, and infrastructure related impacts, while electricity teams are attending to localised outages.
Emergency shelters remain on standby, high alert and operational to accommodate any further evacuations should conditions worsen.
Residents and stakeholders are urged to rely only on verified and credible sources for information, including:
- The South African Weather Service for weather alerts.
- Official Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality communication platforms.
- Credible and established media houses.
The Municipality strongly condemns the spread of misinformation and disinformation, particularly content that creates unnecessary fear, panic, or confusion among residents. Such actions undermine coordinated disaster response efforts and place communities at greater risk.
Residents are encouraged to verify information before sharing and to act responsibly during this critical period.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with all safety instructions:
- Avoid flooded roads and low-lying areas.
- Do not attempt to cross flowing water.
- Secure property and move valuables to higher ground.
- Follow verified municipal communication platforms.
- Report emergencies immediately.
Emergency Call Centre: 041 585 1555
Safety WhatsApp Line: 079 490 0480
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality reaffirms its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of all residents. The current response reflects a high level of institutional preparedness, coordinated governance, and decisive action in the face of severe weather conditions.
Further updates will be issued as the situation evolves.
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