Update
GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - George Disaster and Fire Services continues to monitor the situation in Uniondale, Haarlem, Kamanassie, Avontuur and surrounding areas.
Overall the situation remains largely unchanged from earlier assessments.
Several roads and farm areas remain inaccessible, particularly in more remote locations.
While neither Uniondale nor Haarlem is completely cut off, road infrastructure damage has been identified. These damages are currently being mapped and plotted, and updates will be shared as assessments continue.
Power outage: Eskom
The Garden Route Joint Operations Centre (JOC) and George Municipality is actively engaging with Eskom and continues to apply pressure to them to restore electricity supply.
At this stage, power restoration is not expected imminently. Regrettably the area remains dependent on Eskom supply and their technicians.
Emergency communications
George Fire and Disaster Services has maintained limited but functional communication with municipal officials in Uniondale and Haarlem, including Fire Services based in Uniondale.
Uniondale emergency contacts:
- Fire: 044?752?1225
- Switchboard & Fault Reporting: 044?752?1024
- After Hours: 044?801?6300
The public is reminded that medical emergencies must be reported directly to EMS.
Water provision
Two water tankers remain active and roaming in Uniondale. An additional water tanker has been arranged for Avontuur.
Residents are advised to continue collecting water from tankers until further notice.
Humanitarian relief
A total of 280 food parcels have been delivered in the Kamanassie area by Garden Route District Municipality. Further communication on humanitarian support will follow via official GRDM channels.
Displaced residents
21 people from Rietvlei /Uniondale remain in the Lyonville Community Hall.
Public communication / welfare concerns
The municipality acknowledges concerns from residents wishing to communicate with family members in the affected areas. Unfortunately, until Eskom restores power, communication remains limited.
Residents requiring welfare checks on family members in Haarlem, Kamanassie or surrounding areas are encouraged to contact GRDM Disaster Management so that concerns can be escalated and addressed.
Emergency contact numbers
George:
- Switchboard (07:45–16:30): 044?801?9111
- After-hours & Emergencies: 044?801?6300
- Disaster Management (Toll-Free): 087?152?9999
- Fire Department: 044?801?6311
- Garden Route Disaster Centre: 044?805?5071
- Civil Engineering Customer Services: 044?801?9262 / 044?801?9266 (07:45–16:30) – stormwater-related complaints
- Law Enforcement: 044?801?6350 / 044?801?6389
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