Update

GARDEN ROUTE | KAROO NEWS - The Garden Route District Municipality activated its Joint Operations Centre (JOC) at its Head Office in George due to persistent rainfall experienced in parts of the Western, North and Eastern Cape since 1 June 2024. 

Although the rainfall patterns for the Garden Route region were not exceptionally high over the past few days, several dams are still overflowing because of rivers that flow into them. 

The Stompdrift, Kammanassie, Koos Raubenheimer and Gamkapoort Dams are overflowing, collectively pushing more water into the Olifants River.

Keep safe

People in areas near rivers or those who are considering to cross low-water bridges or structures should avoid doing so at all costs. 

If a residence is prone to flooding, people should move to higher ground to ensure the safety of family members, pets, and livestock.

Do not attempt to walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters, as these can be deeper and faster-moving than what is assumed.

Rescues, recoveries & evacuations

The South African Police Services (SAPS) Diving Unit and the Red Cross Air Mercy Service are currently assisting with rescue operations of people in the region. To date, 17 people have been rescued.

• 11 People (3 women, 4 men and 4 children) rescued from Welgeluk in Oudtshoorn rescued with Pencil Duck.
• 6 People (1 woman, 5 men) rescued from the Meiringspoort Pass with a helicopter.
• Calitzdorp Hot Springs has been evacuated because of the downflow of the Olifants River.

Roads closed, Oudtshoorn

1. Meiringspoort (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
2. Swartberg Pass (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
3. N12 between Oudtshoorn and De Rust where the road crosses the Nel's river - use the Langkloof route as an alternative (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
4. DR1713/R328 adjacent to the Raubenheimers Dam (en route to Bergoord) (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
5. Volmoed Road due to rockfalls (remains closed since 05/06/2024)
6. The Cango Caves (remains closed since 05/06/2024)

Photo: Supplied

Mossel Bay

1. Geelbeksvlei Road (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
2. DR1532 Vleesbay Road (remains closed since 05/06/2024)

Knysna

1. Rheenendal Road off the N2 (remains closed since 04/06/2024)

George / Wilderness / Uniondale

1. DR1660 Joncksrust Road (or known as Kliprivier Road) (30km from Uniondale) due to rockfalls (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
2. Prince Alfred Pass between Uniondale and Knysna due to rockfalls and flooding (remains closed since 05/06/2024)
3. Haarlem access on the west side is restricted, access possible from the east turn-off (remains closed since 05/06/2024)

Report weather-related incidents to the Garden Route Emergency Call Centre on 044 805 5071.

Near De Rust. Photo: Supplied

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