Floods in the Eastern Cape

Last week and especially last weekend, the Eastern Cape was exposed to continuous heavy rains resulting in flooding. This was felt all over the Eastern Cape and the images are quiet shocking in terms of damage and height of the water level. Several people died. The flood picture were taken from www.algoafm.co.za/ .

Many major roads have been closed as they have collapsed or turned into rivers. On the N2 between Grahamstown and PE, a large section of the road collapsed.  The N2 is one of the main roads in the Province and was only relaid last year. I read in the newspaper: "There is a huge hole, about 25m wide and 50m deep on the N2, by the Pumba Game Reserve, between Grahamstown and Port Elizabeth. It could take more than 3 months to repair the road."

Some bridges have been completely washed away such as over the Sand River, cutting off St Francis Bay from the outside world. The road to Port Elizabeth Airport also caved due to the downpours. Houses were flooded or washed away, this was especially the case in the townships. Power-cuts as a result, have become more frequent. The damage costs are going to be enormous. 

It is in this weather that I had to bicycle to the NMMU to do some lab work. It was quiet an adventure,  I was completely soaked and I must admit that cycling when the water comes almost halfway your tires is quiet tiresome. It was however beautiful to see the wild waves along the coast and seeing the water streaming down turning stairs into waterfalls. 

  

Port Alfred and the Bushmans River area was particularly hit as more than 400mm of rain fell in a few days. I had a chance to visit Port Alfred and the Boesmans estuary a few weeks back. It was a wonderful place then. Some picture of the Boesmans (Bushmans) estuary and the coast connected to it.

Port Alfred

It probably looks very different now...