Heavy rain around Port Elizabeth has cut off a residential area, flooded shops and houses and turned roads into rivulets, the Nelson Mandela metro said on Tuesday.
However, spokesperson Lourens Schoeman said the downpour, which started in the early hours of Tuesday, has brought hope to the drought-stricken city where severe water rationing has been in place.
”The three main dams that supply Port Elizabeth are now up to 42% full,” said Schoeman.
On Tuesday, several motorists experienced electrical problems while driving through deep water. Shortly after noon, 120mm had fallen since the skies opened at about 3am.
Particularly affected was the Well’s Estate low-income area, which was ”like an island”.
Emergency-services personnel were removing people at their request in certain areas of the city, but the situation had not led to serious medical cases or deaths.
Other affected areas were Summerstrand, New Brighton and KwaZakhele. The Baakens River was flowing strongly through the city.
Severe water restrictions were imposed in the metro when the average level of the three supply dams hit 40% more than a month ago. The combined water levels then dropped even further to 36,5%.
”People played ball quite nicely. Consumption went down,” said Schoeman.
Further rain was expected on Tuesday afternoon.
”When the dams reach 60%, the water restrictions will be lifted,” he said. — Sapa