GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - At this stage, many people remain cut off in affected areas.
As weather conditions permitted yesterday, an aerial survey was conducted by helicopter across the district to assess structural damage to roads and infrastructure, as well as to determine whether any persons are in need of humanitarian assistance or medical care.
The Kammanassie area has been severely affected, with several areas still isolated. Road repair operations in these areas are being prioritised today, with the District Roads Engineer and his teams currently on site.
Additional teams are expected to move into the Kammanassie and De Vlugt areas tomorrow to assist in re-establishing access routes.
These areas also remain without electricity.
Earlier this morning, a special coordination meeting was held between the Department of Infrastructure, Eskom, and communication network stakeholders to identify priority areas where roads need to be restored to allow electricity infrastructure to become operational again.
In Bitou and Knysna there are also areas that are still without electricity and that is also a priority to get these areas up and running.
Humanitarian relief update
Humanitarian relief teams continue to distribute food parcels and blankets to affected communities.
Yesterday and today, teams have been delivering relief parcels to areas including De Vlugt, Kammanassie, and surrounding Klein Karoo farms. Most immediate needs have been addressed.
The AMS Medical Rescue Helicopter is currently preparing to access areas identified since last night. A welfare check will also be conducted at Marthinusberg, where an elderly couple is believed to have last made contact on Tuesday.
Weather conditions remain a key factor, and authorities are hopeful that conditions will remain favourable to reach these isolated areas.
Medical emergencies
Two helicopters from Air Mercy Services, the Department of Health, and EMS in Oudtshoorn remain on standby to assist with medical emergencies.
A South African Police Service helicopter is also being utilised to support operations towards the Eastern Cape region and will assist in the Uniondale, Misgund, Krakeel, and Kareedouw areas.
South Cape Weather Service predicts cold front for today and tomorrow
As previously communicated, weather predictions indicate that the western parts of the Western Cape are expected to be most affected by the approaching cold front.
Colleagues in the Cape Winelands, Overberg, and Metropolitan areas remain on high alert and are preparing for the predicted storm conditions.
'We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
