The Eastern Cape Department of Health has temporarily suspended services at Gqeberha Community Health Centre in Walmer following significant flooding caused by persistent heavy rainfall and stormwater overflow linked to the severe weather conditions currently affecting parts of the province. The flooding rendered sections of the facility inaccessible and unsafe for healthcare operations, impacting consulting areas, patient waiting spaces and other critical service points. As a result, the facility will remain closed until Monday to allow for drainage interventions, cleaning, infrastructure assessments and restoration of services.
Patients requiring healthcare services are advised to utilise Walmer 14th Avenue Clinic, located approximately three kilometres from the affected facility. Employees attached to Gqeberha Community Health Centre have also been temporarily redirected to support operations at the alternative site to ensure continuity of care.
The temporary closure comes as the South African Weather Service continues to monitor an intense cut-off low that has triggered widespread heavy rainfall, localised flooding, and snowfall across parts of the Eastern and Western Cape provinces.
In the Eastern Cape, snowfall has been reported in the Joe Gqabi District, while heavy rain continues to affect areas within the Sarah Baartman District, including sections of the N9 near Middelburg and routes between Graaff-Reinet and Murraysburg through the Ouberg Pass.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS), including aero-medical support teams, remain on high alert and on standby to respond to emergencies in affected and hard-to-reach areas. Residents facing life-threatening emergencies are urged to dial 112 immediately for assistance.
The Eastern Cape Health MEC, Ntandokazi Capa, has urged communities to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures amid cold, wet weather.
“These severe weather conditions pose significant health and safety risks, particularly to vulnerable groups including the elderly, infants and persons with chronic illnesses. Communities are urged to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel and support vulnerable individuals during this period,” said MEC Capa.
The Department further warns residents about the dangers of hypothermia, a potentially lifethreatening condition caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. Symptoms may include excessive shivering, confusion, fatigue, slurred speech and poor coordination.
Residents are encouraged to keep warm using safe heating methods, dress in layers, avoid prolonged exposure to cold and wet conditions, and exercise extreme caution on roads affected by flooding, snow, and poor visibility.
The Department continues to work closely with disaster management authorities and will provide further updates as required.
