Port Elizabeth of Yore: A Cloudburst did its Damndest in May 1897

It had been exactly thirty years since the previous disastrous flood in which South End bore the brunt of the storm. This time it was midday on a Wednesday when the skies opened. By the time that the cloudburst subsided only an hour and a half later, it had deposited approximately 127mm on the town with the usual water courses bearing the brunt while copious quantities of rubble took their revenge by being deposited on Main and Strand Street. Damage was also caused in North End as well as South End.

Yet again a weather phenomenon known as a cut-off low was the ostensible culprit which had done its best or should that read worst.

Main picture: Pier Street in 1897

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