Photo: WC GCIS and NetCare
Port St Johns in the Eastern Cape was hit by a massive landslide and floods during the early hours of Friday morning.
According to Mayor Nomvuzo Mlombile-Cingo, disaster management teams have been deployed and will arrive in due course.
Netcare 7, a specialised helicopter ambulance with a team of emergency care practitioners, has been activated to assist at the scene.
The landslide and floods occurred in Ward 16, one of the villages outside Port St Johns when lightning struck a student lodging home.
Five pupils who attend a nearby secondary school and lived at a lodging home have been injured, but are confirmed to be stable at the time of publishing.
However, a humanitarian crisis is unfolding in the region, and Mayor Mlombile-Cingo said nearby hospitals cannot be accessed.
No fatalities have been reported as of yet but 3 people are confirmed missing.
Cooperative Governance spokesperson Pheello Oliphant said approximately 3 000 people have been evacuated this week as floods and inclement weather rage in the Eastern Cape.
Oliphant said “houses were washed away, trees uprooted, the town hall is flooded, businesses, shops and the museum too”.
Oliphant said informal settlements in low-lying areas are the most affected areas.
The R61 Route road has also collapsed, approximately 25 kilometres from Port St Johns.
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This is a developing story, more to follow.