GEORGE NEWS – George Municipality has activated its contingency plans and placed several municipal services on high alert as disruptive rain and strong winds are expected across George and surrounding areas from this afternoon, Thursday 3 September.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Level 4 warning for disruptive rain from 12:00 today until 23:59 tonight.
Rainfall of between 20mm and 40mm is expected, with accumulations of 50mm to 70mm possible in mountainous areas.
A Level 2 Yellow warning for strong to near gale force southeasterly winds is also in effect from Thursday through Friday morning. Winds of 40 to 50km/h are expected, while along the south-west coast they could reach gale force speeds of 65 to 70km/h.
According to SAWS, the conditions could result in flooding of roads and settlements, fast-flowing streams, damage to roads and bridges, and major traffic disruptions where roads are flooded or closed.
The warning covers the George municipal area, including George, Uniondale and Haarlem, as well as other parts of the Garden Route.
Municipal teams on standby
The municipality said an integrated response involving several departments has been activated to prepare for and respond to possible incidents.
Services on high alert include Disaster Management, Community Services, Planning and Human Settlements, Traffic Services, Civil Engineering Services, Electrotechnical Services and Technical Services.
Personnel and resources have been placed on standby for rapid response, with arrangements also covering Uniondale and Haarlem.
George Executive Mayor Ald Browen Johnson urged residents to take the warnings seriously.
“Our residents’ safety remains our priority. Our municipal teams and relevant services are on standby and ready to respond to incidents as they arise.”
Residents, particularly those in flood-prone and low-lying areas, are urged to take precautions, avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather and heed evacuation or other safety instructions.
The municipality advises residents never to drive through flooded roads or cross swollen rivers and streams. Anyone trapped in a vehicle during flooding should move to higher ground if it is safe to do so.
Residents should also switch off electricity at the main supply point if flooding threatens their property and it is safe to do so.
Those in rural areas are advised to move livestock and other animals to higher ground if necessary.
Residents are encouraged to monitor official municipal communication and local media for further warnings and service updates.
Emergency numbers
- George Disaster Management, 24/7: 0800 424 477
- Fire Emergencies, 24/7: 044 801 6311
- After hours: 044 801 6300
- Municipal switchboard, 07:45–16:30: 044 801 9111
- Uniondale/Haarlem emergency: 044 801 9189
- Uniondale/Haarlem Fire Service, 07:45–16:30: 044 752 1225
- Civil Engineering – stormwater complaints, 07:45–16:30:
044 801 9262 / 044 801 9266 - Safer City Call Centre, 24/7:
044 801 6350 / 044 801 6310 / 044 801 6389 - Garden Route Disaster Management Centre: 044 805 5071
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