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Four boys rescued after flood traps them at Mqanduli

Published

Four boys who went fishing in Mpindweni, Mqanduli, were rescued shortly after 11pm on Tuesday after rising water left them on an island. Municipal spokesperson Olwethu Mabovula said medics checked them and they are fine.

Earlier on Tuesday evening, the boys were reported stuck on riverbanks while emergency medical services were on their way. Mabovula said a helicopter could not reach the site because of low-lying clouds. One report described the place as an island, another as riverbanks.

Heavy rain has hit the Eastern Cape. Eskom said the rain damaged power lines and caused outages in large parts of the province. The King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality said heavy rain affected roads in 37 wards.

The municipality reported no deaths. Mabovula said conditions may change quickly on wet and slippery roads. The municipality urged residents to avoid flooded routes and consider postponing travel.

Key facts

Who
Olwethu Mabovula (Spokesperson, King Sabatha Dalindyebo Municipality); Eskom (Reported damage to power lines and outages); Four boys (Rescued after being trapped by flood waters)
What
Four boys who went fishing became trapped on riverbanks at Mqanduli during heavy rains; EMS was on its way to rescue them, while a helicopter could not reach the site due to low-lying clouds. Heavy rains have also caused flooding, infrastructure damage and power outages in the province.
When
27 October 2026
Where
Mqanduli, Eastern Cape, eMqanduli
Status
Reported

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