## "Disaster Looms: Kouga Municipality Orders Urgent Evacuation"
The Kouga Municipality in the Eastern Cape has issued an urgent evacuation order for residents in flood-prone areas, as heavy rainfall and rising river levels threaten widespread damage.
The order affects several low-lying communities, including areas along the Kowie, Kareedouw, and Kouga rivers. Authorities have warned that prolonged rainfall and swollen rivers could lead to catastrophic flooding, similar to the devastating floods that struck the region in 2022.
The Eastern Cape has experienced persistent heavy rainfall since late March, with some areas recording more than 100mm in a single day. The region is particularly vulnerable to flooding due to its low-lying terrain and inadequate drainage infrastructure.
In 2022, severe flooding in the Eastern Cape displaced thousands of residents and caused extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods. The Kouga Municipality has since implemented early warning systems to mitigate future risks, but the current weather conditions pose a significant threat.
The evacuation order was issued on Tuesday, April 2, following a joint assessment by the municipal disaster management team and the South African Weather Service. Residents have been advised to move to designated evacuation centers, which are being set up in safer locations.
Emergency services have been deployed to assist with the evacuation process, and sandbagging operations are underway in critical areas. The municipality has also activated its disaster response plan, coordinating with provincial and national authorities to ensure a swift and effective response.
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The evacuation order affects approximately 5,000 residents in the most vulnerable areas. Many of these residents are low-income households who rely on agriculture and informal trade for their livelihoods. The municipality has assured that temporary accommodation and essential supplies will be provided to evacuees.
Businesses in the affected areas have been advised to close temporarily, and schools have been instructed to suspend classes until further notice. The economic impact of the evacuation is expected to be significant, particularly for small-scale farmers and informal traders.
The municipality has urged residents to heed the evacuation order and cooperate with emergency services. Authorities are monitoring weather conditions closely and will provide regular updates on the situation.
Long-term measures to improve flood resilience in the region are being discussed, including the construction of flood barriers and the upgrade of drainage systems. However, the immediate priority remains the safety of residents and the prevention of further damage.
Residents are advised to stay informed through official channels and follow the instructions of disaster management teams. The municipality has emphasized the importance of community preparedness and urged everyone to take necessary precautions.
