“With heavy rainfall expected over the weekend, residents must be vigilant and prepare for mudslides in hilly areas where we had recent vegetation fires,” said Cllr John Best, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Member of the Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security.
His call comes after the South African Weather Services (SAWS) predicted that heavier rainfalls are expected overnight, with an anticipated 20-30mm possible in the six (6) hour period from 23:00 Friday to 05:00 Saturday.
“The likelihood of these mudslides is magnified in areas where there are inclines and fires recently destroyed the undergrowth, bushes or vegetation.
“Our emergency staff is on standby but a Joint Operation Centre is not being established at this stage as it is not warranted as yet,” Cllr Best said.
Best’ proffered courtesy alert highlights the recent closure of Chelsea Road for days following a mudslide.
The South African Weather Services warns as follows: “In areas that have recently experienced fires this rainfall may lead to runoff possibly causing mudslides and rock falls”.
Between 1 September 2016 and today [4 August], the Fire Department battled 2 285 bush fires between Willows and Marine Drive, Chelsea, Woodridge, Marine Drive, Van Stadens and Rocklands amongst many others.
For fire and emergency services, please call 041 585 1555.
NMB Communications
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