NELSON MANDELA BAY MUNICIPALITY - Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality

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NELSON MANDELA BAY MUNICIPALITY INTENSIFIES RESPONSE AS SEVERE WEATHER IMPACTS MORE COMMUNITIES

Published: June 04, 2026

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The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) continues to coordinate a comprehensive disaster response following the South African Weather Service (SAWS) Orange Level 8 warning for disruptive rainfall that has affected several communities across the Metro.

Officially activated at 07:00 on Wednesday, the Municipality's Disaster Management Centre remains fully operational through the Joint Operations Centre (JOC), which continues to coordinate emergency response efforts among municipal departments, government stakeholders, humanitarian organisations and emergency services.

As at 15h30 on 04 June 2026, more than 21 wards across the Metro have been affected by flooding, waterlogging, stormwater-related incidents and infrastructure damage resulting from the severe weather conditions.

A total of 84 incidents have been recorded to date, including flooded homes, flooded streets, stormwater challenges, road closures, power outages and other weather-related emergencies. Municipal teams remain deployed throughout affected communities to provide assistance and conduct ongoing impact and needs assessments.

Importantly, no fatalities or injuries have been reported.

The Municipality has activated six temporary shelters across the Metro to accommodate residents displaced by flooding. To date, 671 individuals have been accommodated at various shelters where humanitarian support is being provided. This support includes blankets, mattresses, food parcels and hot meals, with assistance from municipal teams and non-governmental organisations.

The activated shelters are located in Walmer, Asinavalo Kamvelihle, Grogro KwaLanga, Bayland, Qunu and Airport Valley.

Several communities have experienced flooding and related impacts, including Missionvale, Kariega, Jubilee Park, Bayland, Qunu, Chatty, Veeplaas, KwaNoxolo, Motherwell, Walmer, Walmer Location, New Brighton, Grogro, Asinavalo Kamvelihle and Emthini Informal Settlement.

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipal Executive Mayor, Councillor Babalwa Lobishe has expressed relief at the fact that there are no injuries or fatalities.

"We are thankful to our teams on the ground who are working hard, risking their lives to make sure that all the affected residents are safe. Our primary objective when we activate the emergency response through the Joint Operations Centre is to save lives. We are making a plea to our people to cooperate as we try to mitigate impact of this severe weather,” said Executive Mayor Lobishe.

Emergency shelter operations have been expanded, with six shelters currently accommodating 671 displaced residents across the Metro. The shelters are providing temporary accommodation, blankets, mattresses, food parcels and other humanitarian assistance. Non-governmental organisations have also been activated to provide additional support, including hot meals.

The activated shelters are located in:

Walmer Town Hall – 56 residents.
Methodist Ethembeni Society, Asinavalo-Kamvelihle – 10 residents.
KwaXaba Hall, Grogro-KwaLanga – 68 residents.
Baylands Spaza Shop – 40 residents.
Alfonso Arries Primary School, Qunu – 84 residents.
New Messiah Apostolic Church in Zion, Airport Valley – 43 residents.
Methodist Church Ezinyoka – 300 residents
Ithembalethu Hall in Fairview – 70 residents

The Joint Operations Centre had recorded a total of 84 weather-related incidents across Nelson Mandela Bay, which municipal teams continue to respond to all and conduct assessments to determine the full extent of the damage.

Due to hazardous weather conditions and safety concerns arising from flooding and waterlogged routes, several schools remain closed on 03 and 04 June 2026.

In addition, Driving Licence Testing Centres (DLTCs) were temporarily closed due to unsafe road conditions and accessibility challenges caused by the heavy rainfall.

The Municipality will continue to work closely with relevant authorities and stakeholders to assess conditions and communicate any further operational updates.

The following roads remain closed due to flooding and waterlogging:

Boswell Street on-ramp to the M4 Freeway
3rd Avenue Dip, Newton Park
M4 Settlers Way behind the cemetery (northbound left lane)
Boswell Street and M4 off-ramp
Govan Mbeki Avenue near Broad Street
Kabega Road between Sasha Street and Cape Road
Addo Road between Buick Street and Malinga Street

Motorists are urged to avoid these areas and make use of alternative routes where possible while municipal roads and stormwater teams have been deployed to assess and address affected areas as conditions allow.

Executive Mayor Councillor Babalwa Lobishe further commended all emergency personnel, municipal officials, humanitarian partners and community volunteers involved in the response efforts.

"The safety and wellbeing of our residents remain our highest priority. We are encouraged that no fatalities or injuries have been reported despite the severity of the weather conditions. Our teams remain fully deployed and continue to monitor affected areas, provide relief support and coordinate response interventions. We urge residents to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel and continue following all safety advisories issued by authorities.”

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality will continue to monitor conditions closely and provide updates as further information becomes available.

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NELSON MANDELA BAY MUNICIPALITY INTENSIFIES RESPONSE AS SEVERE WEATHER IMPACTS MORE COMMUNITIES

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