Eastern Cape floods leave roads underwater as damage mounts
Heavy rainfall has flooded roads and bridges across parts of the Eastern Cape, disrupting travel and damaging electricity infrastructure.
The OR Tambo District Municipality has deployed disaster management teams to assess the damage and identify communities that need assistance.
According to SABC News, Several areas, including Mqanduli, Ngqeleni, Port St Johns, Qumbu and Tsolo, have experienced flooding and travel disruptions.
Which roads and bridges are affected?
Floodwater has affected several crossings in the OR Tambo District, including the Mqanduli Bridge south of Mthatha and the Buntingville Bridge near Ngqeleni.
The municipality has also warned residents against crossing the Ngwevana Bridge as officials monitor rising water levels.
In Mqanduli, an overflowing bridge has disrupted travel, while authorities have identified roads near affected crossings for closure.
However, authorities have not yet confirmed which of these routes remain closed on Wednesday, 28 October.
Motorists should check local traffic updates before travelling.
Heavy rain damages electricity infrastructure
Eskom has confirmed that severe weather damaged electricity infrastructure across several parts of the Eastern Cape.
The affected areas include OR Tambo, Alfred Nzo, Amathole and Chris Hani district municipalities, as well as Buffalo City.
— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) October 27, 2026#EskomEasternCape #EasternCapeOutages
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The damage includes broken conductors, damaged electricity poles and other network components.
Eskom said difficult road conditions have prevented some repair teams from reaching affected infrastructure, delaying restoration efforts.
The flooding has also raised concerns about learners travelling to school, particularly those writing examinations.
The Department of Education’s Coastal District has urged school principals and parents to prioritise safety and make alternative arrangements for examinations where necessary.
Education officials in coastal and inland districts have also received alerts about the risks posed by the weather.
Will the weather improve?
The South African Weather Service has not issued an impact-based warning for the Eastern Cape for Wednesday, 28 October, according to the latest published forecast.
Residents should avoid crossing flooded bridges, use alternative routes where possible and continue monitoring official updates.
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