WATCH: Strong winds causes CHAOS – weather warning issued

Strong winds caused chaos in the Eastern Cape on Sunday. People were recorded in the street holding on to traffic signs for dear life in East London on Sunday. 

WATCH AS STRONG WINDS CAUSE CHAOS ON SUNDAY 

The roofs of several hospitals in the provinces were blown off. 

Eastern Cape Department of Health spokesperson Mkhululi Ndamase said the gusty winds that caused havoc in parts of the Eastern Cape damaged some health facilities, resulting in roofs being blown away.

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“The roofs at the Cofimvaba Hospital maternity and paediatric wards have been blown away by strong winds. The Zwelitsha and NU12 clinics in Buffalo City Metro were also damaged.

“Part of the roof at Zwelitsha Clinic was blown away while a tree fell on an external water pipe at Lilitha Nursing College at Cecilia Makiwane Hospital in Mdantsane. This caused flooding outside as a result of the burst water pipe.” 

Mkhululi Ndamase

THE ROOFS OF SEVERAL HOSPITAL HAVE BEEN BLOWN OFF 

He furthermore said a small section of the roof at Nkqubela TB Hospital in BCM was also blown away, while minor damage was caused to Welcomewood, Tshatshu and Masakhane clinics.  

In OR Tambo, part of the roof at Port St Johns Community Health Centre was ripped off by the winds.

Part of the roof at Nompumelelo Hospital’s pharmacy was blown away in Peddie. The medicine supplies, fortunately, were not affected. 

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NO REPORTED INJURES BUT FOUR PATIENTS HAD TO BE TRANSFERRED 

“There have been no reported injuries in all incidents. 

“However, four patients at Cofimvaba Hospital — two in maternity and two at the paediatric ward — have been transferred to the All Saints Hospital in Ngcobo.” 

THE SAWS ISSUED A LEVEL 5 WARNING FOR WINDS 

This comes as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a high level 5 warning for strong damaging winds until Sunday midnight. 

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Severe weather alerts for today, 30-07-2023. Damaging winds are expected along the coast and the adjacent interior of the Eastern Cape with damaging waves expected along the coastal areas. Damaging winds are also expected over the north eastern parts of the country. pic.twitter.com/g7FKjfLGa2

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) July 30, 2023

“Be aware of sudden cross winds if traveling, especially between buildings, fallen trees or power lines and flying debris. Ensure that all temporary structures are well anchored.” 

SAWS

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THESE AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE WARNING 

The high level 5 warning is in place for the following areas: 

• Ingquza Hill / Lusikisiki
• M_Mbizana / Wild Coast Sun
• M_Port St Johns / Port St Johns
• M_Nyandeni/King Sabata / Coffee Bay
• Nyandeni / Libode
• King Sabata Dalindyebo / Mthatha
• M_Mbhashe / The Haven
• M_Great Kei / Kei River
• M_Buffalo City / Buffalo City
• M_Ngqushwa / Ngqushwa
• M_Ndlambe / Port Alfred
• M_Kou-Kamma / Tsitsikama
• M_Knysna / Knysna
• M_Mossel Bay / Mossel Bay

POSSIBLE IMPACTS

• Damage to coastal infrastructure is likely particularly in False Bay and between Mossel Bay and Plettenberg Bay.
• Disruption of small harbours and ports can be expected as well as disruption of beachfront activities.
• There is a risk to medium/large vessels of dragging anchor and breaking mooring lines.
• Difficulty in navigation for small vessels and personal watercraft (e.g. kayaks) is likely, which may lead to these vessels taking on water and capsizing in locality.

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