Mnquma Municipality, Eastern Cape —
In a chilling reminder of the power of nature, a man was dramatically rescued after becoming trapped inside his car during severe flooding in the Mnquma Municipality, Eastern Cape.
The incident occurred after days of relentless rainfall that caused rivers to overflow and low-lying roads to submerge under fast-moving water. Witnesses say the man attempted to cross a flooded section of road when his vehicle was suddenly swept off course by the rising waters.
Emergency services were called to the scene after bystanders spotted the vehicle partially submerged. Rescuers acted swiftly, battling strong currents to reach the car just in time. The man was pulled from the vehicle and treated for mild hypothermia, but otherwise escaped without major injuries.
“This could have ended in tragedy,” said a spokesperson for local emergency services. “We urge residents to avoid driving or walking through flooded areas, no matter how shallow they may seem.”
The Mnquma Municipality has been one of several regions hit hard by the recent downpours, raising fresh concerns about infrastructure resilience and the impact of climate change on South Africa’s rural communities.
Local officials are advising residents to:
- Stay updated on weather alerts.
- Avoid crossing bridges or roads covered by water.
- Report dangerous flood conditions to local authorities immediately.
As the Eastern Cape braces for more rain in the coming days, this incident stands as a stark reminder of how quickly ordinary situations can turn life-threatening — and the critical importance of caution during extreme weather events.
