Flooding as cold front moves through Garden Route

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GEORGE NEWS & VIDEOS - Flooding due to rain accompanying the cold front that is moving through the Garden Route has up till now only been reported in George, according to Garden Route disaster management chief Gerhard Otto.

A resident of Cherry Creek in Blanco, Hardus Coetzee, said he measured 95mm of rain from yesterday morning till this morning (19 August).

The George Airport this morning recorded 58mm.

More rainfall figures are being awaited.

In Pioneer Road the water dammed up to such an extent this morning that it lapped at the front doors of surrounding businesses. According to Keoma Frye of DSV Couriers, their early employees said the water began collecting from just after 06:00 when the first hard rains started to come down.

Watch a video below:

Frye said they had to park at the filling station at the top end of the road and a DSV truck drove them through the water to the office. "We do not have much damage. Some water ran into our lobby but that was because of waves forming as vehicles drove by and we placed some sand bags at the front door."

The water quickly flowed away when the municipality opened two emergency drains.

VIDEO | Flooding at Kingswood golf course:

Kloppers suffered damage after drain pipes leading from the roof into an open courtyard could not handle the volume of water, causing a part of the floor in the hi-tech section of the store to flood, according to the manager, Hein Botha.

VIDEO | Flood damage at Kloppers:

Kloppers suffered damage after drain pipes leading from the roof into an open courtyard could not handle the volume of water, causing a part of the floor in the hi-tech section of the store to flood, according to the manager, Hein Botha.

The Outeniqua Bowling Club's lawn is currently a dam of water and water has dammed up on Kingswood Golf Estate's golf course.

Dan de Wet, estate manager, said it's not the first time that there is water on the course. "It is not as bad as it looks. Last night's rain was just a bit more in a shorter period and we also had rain last week so the soil is saturated. As soon as it stops raining, it will drain away and the course managers will decide if play can go ahead tomorrow."

Outeniqua Bowling Club flood damage.

There has been a mud slide in Outeniqua Pass and a stop/go point has been activated while this is being cleared. Motorists driving in the pass are asked to be careful.

The Pacaltsdorp Clinic was also flooded and the George municipal main building is closed for today due to water damage to the roof, which affected the electrical wiring. The cashier hall on the ground floor will not open today.

Hope Street was closed due to flooding and a section of Artillery Road in Delville Park was also flooded.

Flooding in Hope Street

Photo gallery: Heavy rains cause local flooding

George municipal spokesperson Chantel Edwards-Klose said the foyer and hall of George Library needs to be mopped up due to flooding.

"The public is requested not to make use of the chute to return their books as this will result in water damage to the books. Unfortunately, the library will be unable to allow any member of the public entry to the library due to safety reasons."

Stella Nake of the Cape Town weather office said the rain is expected to continue into the evening over George and the rest of the Garden Route District, clearing overnight. "The bulk of it is pretty much over and was forecast for this morning. We are anticipating some isolated showers for the remainder of the day."

People can report all flooding and related incidents to 044 801 6300.

Persons who require assistance with the supply of gunplast to repair roofing due to high winds or excessive rainfall may register their requests by phoning George JOC on 044 801 6316 or after hours on 044 801 6300.

VIDEO | Flooding on the side of Knysna Road: