GEORGE NEWS - Three weeks after one of the most severe storms to hit Wilderness in recent memory, stories continue to emerge of how residents, volunteers and community organisations worked together to support those affected.

As warnings of an approaching weather system began circulating in May, the Wilderness Ratepayers and Residents Association (WRRA) decided to prepare before the first rain fell.

A small group of residents involved with the Heights Community Centre (HCC) began planning emergency support measures, focusing on vulnerable residents in Wilderness Heights, where flooding was expected to be most severe.

Helping hands

One of the first people approached was Annie Solomons, a respected community member who runs a soup kitchen in the informal settlement. She immediately agreed to assist should the need arise.

When the storm arrived, about 200mm of rain fell over three days. Homes were flooded, structures damaged and some families were forced to leave their homes due to unsafe conditions.

Storm damage. Photo: Supplied

Thanks to preparations made beforehand, the Heights Community Centre was quickly opened as an emergency shelter.

Working alongside Solomons and community volunteers Chantel Solomons and Elton Maswattie, teams conducted door-to-door assessments to identify residents most in need. Families whose homes had been flooded were offered accommodation at the centre, where they received hot meals and a safe, dry place to stay.

Shelter from the storm

Over the following three nights, the centre sheltered 40 people. Because donations of mattresses, blankets, food and lighting had already been secured, no emergency public appeal was needed after a subsequent windstorm struck a week later. Families remained at the centre for an additional two nights while urgent repairs were carried out with the help of donated building materials.

While residents dealt with the immediate impact of flooding, a larger challenge was unfolding across Wilderness and surrounding areas.

The next challenge

Thousands of trees were brought down by strong winds, blocking roads and restricting access for emergency services. With municipal teams beginning to clear routes and restore infrastructure in George, Wilderness Heights residents mobilised to help clear roads and restore access. 

Armed with chainsaws and bakkies, neighbours worked together to remove fallen trees and assist those cut off by the storm.

Among the organisations playing a key role in the recovery effort was Firstcare Wildfire Support. The volunteer organisation spent days clearing roads and removing trees from homes and access routes. The workload was so intense that two of its larger chainsaws eventually seized after operating almost continuously.

The team from Firstcare Wildfire Support clearing roads in Wilderness. Photo: Supplied

After learning of the setback, the WRRA donated two replacement chainsaws, allowing the team to continue its work. The organisation also received fuel donations from the WRRA and members of the public.

According to the WRRA, the storm highlighted the resilience and generosity of the Wilderness community. While the association helped coordinate resources and support relief efforts, it said the recovery effort ultimately demonstrated how residents, volunteers and organisations came together to support one another during a time of crisis.

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