Rescue operation under way to save pupils trapped in flooded Eastern Cape river

A rescue operation is currently under way in the Eastern Cape to save three pupils and a community member trapped in the middle of a river in Mpindweni village, near Libode, as heavy rains continue to cause havoc in the province.

In an interview with the SABC on Tuesday night, King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality mayor Mkhanyiseni Dudumayo said rescue teams were working to reach the trapped victims.

The four were reportedly stranded on a dry island in the middle of the river after heavy rains triggered widespread flooding and damaged infrastructure across the province.

“The rescue teams are currently in the river, trying to rescue them,” Dudumayo said.

The heavy flooding affected roads and bridges across the King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality.

Municipal spokesperson Olwethu Mabovula said the flash floods started at about 5pm on Monday.

The pupils had reportedly gone fishing when they became trapped as water levels rose. Mabovula said emergency services were contacted to assist, but low-lying clouds prevented a helicopter from being deployed. Rescue teams were expected to use boats to reach the children.

Dudumayo said heavy rain had affected roads across the municipality’s 37 wards, particularly in the coastal areas of Mqanduli and Coffee Bay.

He said teams had been dispatched to assess the damage and assist with rescue efforts at the Mthatha River, which forms part of the boundary between the King Sabata Dalindyebo and Nyandeni municipalities.

Areas affected include Alfred Nzo, O.R. Tambo, Amathole, Chris Hani District Municipalities and Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality.

Mabovula urged residents, particularly those in low-lying areas, to exercise caution and avoid building homes along riverbanks.

TimesLIVE