Multiple rescue operations in flood-hit Eastern Cape
Multiple emergency rescue operations are underway as severe floods hit Mthatha in the Eastern Cape.
According to the provincial health department, houses have been submerged, forcing some residents to seek refuge on rooftops and in trees.
Speaking to SABC News, Eastern Cape health spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo said rescue teams had already saved a number of residents stranded on one side of a flooded river in one of the townships.
Efforts continue to reach others who are still trapped.
Earlier, the South African Weather Service issued an updated Orange Level 9 warning for disruptive rain and flooding in the eastern interior and coastal areas of the Eastern Cape.
" The difficulty we have at the moment is those who are trapped in the trees. We were trying to check if we can't use our chopper, but unfortunately, due to the weather, we cannot immediately do that. But our teams are also consistently monitoring that.
“We are doing everything in our power to ensure that we save as many lives as possible. Earlier in the day, a principal who plunged into a river was successfully saved, so we continue with operations."
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