MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DISASTER RESCUE TEAMS ACTIVATED IN SEARCH OF 2 MALES
ADM HEADQUARTERS- TUESDAY, 17 OCTOBER 2023

Amidst assessment by the Amathole District Municipality Disaster Management Team following continued heavy rains which have already resulted in bridges being submerged, homes collapsed, two males have also been reported missing.
According to latest report, two (2) males, estimated to be between ages 19 & 20, from Kantolo Village in Centane drowned on Saturday evening after attempting to cross the overflowing Khobonqaba River. The men were from a neighbouring village going back home. A joint disaster rescue team including the community has been activated in search of the missing males. The SAPS K9 Search and Rescue Divers have also been activated to join the search.
Further updates will be provided as and when information has been received.

PRELIMINARY DAMAGES
The rains further left damages to several homes in Mbhashe area, ward 8 Vutha Location, Ward 19 Ginyintsimbi Village, Ward 28 Mkhathazo, Xhorha Mouth, Mqhele, Mgojweni, Tshezi and Ntlantsana. Roads in Mbhashe, Amahlathi and Ngqushwa Local Municipalities have also been affected.
On road infrastructure, the entry and exit bridge to and from Xhora Town was submerged as well as
the low-level bridge in Mphafeni towards Mditshwa River in Ward 26, which motorist and pedestrians
have been cautioned against its use until safety has been established.
Other Mbhashe affected access roads with negative impact to the day-to-day mobility of communities are in Xhora are in Mndwaka, Mpame, Ntshunqe, Zweleqaba and Xhora Mouth. In Amahlathi, Ward 5 road is also inaccessible, whilst the Hamburg Village in Ngqushwa is still cut off however, engagements are ongoing for a contingency plan on alternative route for temporary use.
Our disaster teams continue to be on high alert for any other related incidents. More incidents may be cited as we continue to receive reports. Communities are urged to remain vigilant on the roads and avoid crossing flooded areas, overflowing rivers, and submerged bridges to save lives.
Communities are urged to report damages to their ward cllrs to expedite ADM disaster response.

All correspondence to be addressed to :

The Municipal Manager
15 Rees Street, Quigney, East London, 5201 | PO Box 320, East London,South Africa, 5200 | Telephone: +27 [0] 43 701 4000 | Facsimile: +27 [0] 43 721 2478
For any enquiries contact ADM Spokesperson Nonceba Madikizela-Vuso on| 083 516 9122 | email:
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Issued by the Communications and Customer Care Unit.
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