The Nelson Mandela Bay Metro has placed its emergency response teams on high alert as forecasters warn of potentially destructive rainfall expected to affect the metro and surrounding areas from Wednesday.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has upgraded its warning to a Level 8 alert for disruptive rainfall, signalling the likelihood of severe weather conditions across parts of the Eastern Cape.
Municipal officials have warned that the anticipated downpours could result in widespread flooding, dangerous driving conditions, damage to infrastructure and disruptions to communities.
Municipal spokesperson Sithembiso Soyaya urged residents to take the warning seriously and implement precautionary measures to ensure their safety.
"The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is urging residents to take immediate precautionary measures following the SAWS upgrade of the disruptive rainfall warning from Level 5 to Level 8," Soyaya said.
He added that disaster management officials, emergency services personnel and technical teams have been mobilised and are closely monitoring the situation.
"Our Disaster Management Centre, emergency services and technical teams have been placed on high alert and are actively monitoring developments," said Soyaya.
Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, stay clear of rivers, streams and flooded roads, and keep up to date with information issued by municipal authorities and weather officials.
The metro has called on communities to remain vigilant as the severe weather system moves through the region, warning that conditions could deteriorate rapidly in affected areas.