Elderly lady killed in storm surge on coastline

Spokesperson for the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Craig Lambinon says a 93-year-old woman died when she was reportedly swept off her feet at Leentjiesklip in Wilderness.

He says waves swept over a parking lot, and it is their understanding that her death is weather-related.

Lambinon says another person was injured and taken to hospital.

Residents from Herolds Bay and Victoria Bay had to be evacuated when astronomical waves led to coastal flooding causing structural damage worth thousands of rand.

Several roads were also closed including all roads leading to beaches in George.

Gqeberha

Several people and their pets had to be evacuated from the Mangolds Pool Resort when their caravans were compromised by the high tide.

Lambinon says the public should exercise caution around the coast over the next few days due to the new moon spring.

Provincial traffic in the Eastern Cape says a stretch of road on the N2 that was closed for traffic on Saturday has since been reopened.

Officials closed the N2 between Gqeberha and Bluewater Bay after the tidal waves washed over the national road leaving rocks and debris behind.

A spokesperson for provincial traffic Unathi Binqhose says teams braved the elements to get the road open as soon as possible.

He says officials will remain on high alert as conditions are set to continue.

Kouga

On Saturday, officials from the Kouga Municipality closed the Seekoei Estuary until further notice due to excessive water and debris on the surface.

Motorists are advised to use the alternative route off the R102 between Jeffreys Bay and Humansdorp to pass the Lombardini Game Farm.

The causeway between Aston Bay and Paradise Beach, including Swann Drive, remains closed while flooding in Kabeljauws Street was also reported.

Motorists are also urged to be cautious of debris and water on Shore and Anne Road in St Francis Bay.

More warnings

Warnings for the storm surge continue on Sunday and have been upgraded to an Orange Level 6.

The South African Weather Service says between Plettenberg Bay and the Fish River, an increased sea level above the highest astronomical high tide can be expected in the morning

Damaging rogue waves between Plettenberg and Port Edward can also result in difficulty navigating vessels, while beach erosion is also possible.

Meanwhile, as the government kicked off National Parks Week, all staff and visitors had to be evacuated on Saturday around the area of the Tsitsikamma National Park.

A spokesperson for SANParks Rey Thakuli says park management is working with local authorities to ensure the situation is managed effectively and that visitors are kept safe.

ALSO READ