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Nelson Mandela Bay nature reserves closed due to severe weather, ostriches perish in floods
via The Citizen3 min read
Severe weather in the Eastern Cape has led to the closure of all municipal nature reserves in Nelson Mandela Bay until further notice. This decision was made due to extensive damage to hiking trails, fallen trees, unstable ground conditions, and flooded bridges. Visitors are advised to avoid these closed reserves. The South African Weather Service issued a level 8 warning for severe weather on Sunday, May 3, 2026, affecting communities in the Overberg, Garden Route, Central Karoo, and Cape Winelands. A social worker in the Western Cape tragically died after a tree fell on her car. Babalwa Lobishe, a councillor in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, conducted an oversight visit to assess bridge conditions and water levels for potential evacuations. Jaco Londt, MEC of Social Development in the Western Cape, expressed condolences for the social worker's death. Acting Premier Ivan Meyer and disaster management officials met to discuss the response to the severe weather. Although the weather warning has decreased to level 2, dangers remain due to prior flood damage, with concerns about road flooding, infrastructure damage, and mudslides. The Mossel Bay Municipality closed access to a low water bridge on Vleesbaai Road due to high water volumes, and a man was rescued after getting stuck in debris there. The Wolwedans Dam is overflowing at 101.15% capacity, and residents are urged to avoid river banks. Ostriches were rescued in Volmoed, though many did not survive. Approximately 12
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