Stay off the roads, Eastern Cape drivers urged

2012-07-14 22:16

Eastern Cape drivers have been advised to stay off the roads, with more heavy rain expected, after severe weather caused road closures, and parts of the province were hit by power outages. (File, AFP)

Johannesburg - More rain was expected for the Eastern Cape on Saturday night, the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality said.

Spokesperson Kupido Baron advised motorists to stay off the roads as more rain was expected.

More than 200 people have been evacuated to places of safety due to flooding in Nelson Mandela Bay earlier on Saturday.

"There were reports of flooding in Kwanoxolo, Kleinskool, Salt Lake, Missionvale, Nooitgedacht [Booysen Park], Motherwell, Kuyga and Wells Estate."

Various roads had to be closed due to the flooding and motorists were warned to drive cautiously.

"Roads that have been closed due to flooding at this stage are Soudien Street/Old Uitenhage Road, Third Avenue Dip [Newton Park] Seaview Road [Bushy Park area] Loodsberg Pass and the Wapasberg Pass."

Baron said a tree had also fallen over the N2 at the Cotswold Bridge and various areas have been affected by power outages.

"Areas which have been affected includes Heath Park, Aspen Heights, Bloemendal, Kwadwesi, Salsoneville and Sanctor."

- SAPA