Nelson Mandela Bay’s schools and several businesses were forced to close on Wednesday after torrential rain triggered severe flooding across the region.
The deluge damaged factories, offices and warehouses, prompting the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber to report that while larger manufacturers managed to keep production running, many employees remained absent. “Some manufacturers have opted to close their factory doors, and businesses whose operations allow for remote working have done so until the adverse weather risks subside,” said chamber CEO Denise van Huyssteen.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Civil Society Coalition raised concerns over the municipality’s emergency response capacity, noting that the city’s emergency fleet was left without fuel due to a lapse in renewing a fuel‑supply contract. The coalition described the situation as “a dangerous collapse of governance with real and immediate consequences for vulnerable communities.”
Municipal officials acknowledged that fuel reserves were low but assured that additional fuel would be sourced to support emergency operations. In a statement, the municipality said priority would be given to “critical and frontline services, including emergency response and disaster management.”
The flooding follows a pattern of extreme weather events that have increasingly affected South Africa’s coastal regions. In recent years, heavy rains have strained infrastructure and highlighted gaps in disaster preparedness. Local authorities have been urged to review contingency plans and ensure that essential services, such as emergency response, remain functional during crises.
As floodwaters continue to recede, schools are expected to remain closed until safety can be confirmed, and businesses are assessing damage to determine when operations can resume. The municipality’s ability to replenish fuel supplies and restore emergency services will be a key factor in the region’s recovery and its capacity to respond to future weather‑related emergencies.
