NELSON Mandela Bay residents have reached out to those affected by storms which have battered the city since last week.
Thousands of residents have been evacuated from their homes in the northern and township areas.
In Bethelsdorp, Extension 33, a group arrived at houses that were flooded at the weekend armed with dishcloths, mops and towels.
Ward 41 Community Police Forum coordinator Lester Witbooi said 95% of children in the ward could not make it to school yesterday.
"Adults could not get to work because the roads are so badly damaged. Food was soaked – beds and linen as well. The taxis could not come into the areas and when people had to walk to get a taxi it was so far, in wet weather," he said.
Ward 41, which consists of Moeggesukkel, Vastrap, Greenfields, Chatty 11 and Chatty 12, was completely flooded, he said.
In Kwazakhele, Daku Hall caretaker Rachael Gcayiya, 53, took in her neighbour's six children after their shack was flooded.
"Everything was floating in water. I invited them to sleep at my place. I gave them food and now I am washing their blankets," she said.
Joint Operations Centre (JOC) staff have their hands full as members of the public arrive to bring blankets and food for distribution to those left destitute by the floods.
JOC spokeswoman Marthie Nel said they were overwhelmed by 4x4 owners who offered to help families who were stranded. – Additional reporting by Estelle Ellis
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