Cape town: Burials at several municipal cemeteries have been suspended following severe rainfall and flooding across the Nelson Mandela Bay metro. The municipality has stated that this decision is essential to safeguard public health, ensure environmental safety, and maintain the dignity of the burial process.

According to South African Government News Agency, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality issued a public notice acknowledging the emotional distress and inconvenience caused to grieving families by the suspension. Municipal Crisis Communication spokesperson Sithembiso Soyaya expressed sincere apologies for the distress and emotional strain experienced by affected families.

The municipality reported that persistent heavy rainfall has led to extensive waterlogging at several cemetery sites, rendering graveyards unsafe for mourners and workers. Officials identified multiple hazards, including saturated graves, unstable soil conditions, flooded access roads, and compromised grave integrity.

Environmental and occupational health risks have been highlighted as concerns for undertakers, cemetery workers, and the public. The municipality explained that additional pumping interventions would not immediately rectify the situation, as removing standing water alone would not restore the structural stability of affected cemetery grounds.

Technical assessments indicate that certain sections of the cemetery remain excessively saturated, posing risks of grave collapse, soil displacement, and unsafe working conditions. Municipal authorities are implementing mitigation measures, including continuous monitoring, drainage interventions where feasible, and ongoing technical assessments by relevant departments.

The metro has requested residents' patience and cooperation while assessments continue, assuring that updates will be communicated as conditions improve. Recent storms and flooding have disrupted services and infrastructure across the metro due to persistent wet weather conditions.