O.R. Tambo District Municipality has deployed disaster management teams to assess damage following heavy rains, with several communities affected and access to Mqanduli town currently closed.
Heavy rains have disrupted access to several communities across the O.R. Tambo District, prompting the deployment of disaster management teams to assess the damage and identify urgent needs.
In a media statement issued on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, O.R. Tambo District Municipality confirmed that the recent rainfall had severely affected communities in several local municipalities.
Executive Mayor Cllr Mesuli Ngqondwana assured residents that disaster management teams were on the ground assessing the situation and determining the extent of the impact.
Mqanduli access currently closed
Mqanduli town, which falls under the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality, is among the areas experiencing significant disruption.
According to the municipality, access to the town is currently closed, although the statement did not specify the exact location of the closure or when access is expected to be restored.
Other affected areas include Buntingville and Ngqeleni.
Green Farms in the Port St Johns Local Municipality has also been affected, along with several communities around Qumbu and Tsolo in the Mhlontlo Local Municipality.
The municipality said the heavy rains had disrupted daily activities and access to certain areas, raising concerns about the needs of communities affected by the weather conditions.
Disaster teams assess damage
Disaster management teams are assessing the extent of the damage, identifying affected households and determining what immediate assistance may be required.
The municipality said the assessment process was still underway and that a comprehensive update would be issued once the information had been consolidated.
The extent of the damage, the number of households affected and the specific interventions required have not yet been confirmed.
O.R. Tambo District Municipality said it remained committed to coordinating disaster response efforts in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure that affected communities receive the necessary attention.
Residents urged to exercise caution
The municipality has urged residents across the district to remain vigilant while heavy rains continue to pose risks.
Communities have been specifically warned against attempting to cross flooded rivers and low-lying bridges.
Residents should avoid flooded crossings and seek alternative routes where possible, particularly in areas where water levels may rise rapidly.
Motorists travelling through affected parts of the district should remain alert to possible road closures and disruptions.
The municipality said further information on the damage and planned interventions would be provided once the ongoing assessments had been completed.
Komani News will continue to monitor developments as more information becomes available.
