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Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Alert 2 on 6 May 2026 at 13h00

Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Alert 2 on 6 May 2026 at 13h00

Issued by Garden Route District Municipality

CURRENT ROADS CLOSED

The following roads are currently closed until further notice (issued by WC Gov):

MR369 – Swartberg Pass
TR33/4 – Meiringspoort
MR401 – Queen Street between Uniondale and Avontuur
TR44/1 (R62) – Between Avontuur and the Eastern Cape boundary
MR355 – Karatara Pass between George and Knysna
MR390 – Wittedrift
TR2/12 – Grootrivier Pass (Nature’s Valley)

GENERAL FEEDBACK

The Head of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Disaster Management Centre, Gerhard Otto has confirmed that the Eastern parts of the region, including Plettenberg Bay and Knysna are among the areas hardest hit by the severe weather. In Knysna, 197mm rain has been recorded and an excess of 200mm rain in the Bitou municipal area. “At this point, some roads are flooded, while others are extremely slippery and inaccessible,” Otto added.

“We commend the Western Cape Provincial Government Department of Education for closing schools during this time because this has reduced the number of vehicles on roads and kept children safe,” said Otto.

KNYSNA FATALITY

Persistent rainfall, combined with strong winds, have caused dozens of trees to uproot. The public is urged to remain extremely cautious during this period. According to Gerhard Otto: “A woman from Knysna tragically lost her life this morning after a tree uprooted and fell onto her vehicle while she was parked underneath it”.

PLETTENBERG BAY RIVER BANK BURST

In Plettenberg Bay, the Piesang Valley River burst its banks, resulting in flooding near the lower parking areas adjacent to the Beacon Isle Hotel. Flooded is seen from sea-and river sides, subsiding. Residents living along the river have since been evacuated as a precaution and are being accommodated at nearby community halls. In the Haarlem area, a community hall was also opened to accommodate residents impacted by floods.

Eighty (80) people in the Wittedrift area were also evacuated to the Wittedrift Community Hall.

MUNICIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Authorities have also reported damage to critical infrastructure, including sewer pump stations, sections of the water supply network and in some locations power was switched off as a safety measure. Engineering teams are currently assessing the damage and working to restore affected services as quickly as possible.

WEATHER FORECAST

Wind gusts between 50 and 60 km/h are expected to continue throughout the day and night, increasing the likelihood of falling trees and debris. Motorists are strongly advised to avoid unnecessary travel, as several roads across the district have become flooded, slippery or inaccessible.

Rainfall is expected to persist for the remainder of today into the early hours of tomorrow, 7 May, with an additional 30 to 50 mm forecast over the eastern parts of the Garden Route region. “We will only see some relief by tomorrow,” said Otto.

Residents are urged to monitor official municipal communication channels and to prioritise safety at all times.

SAFETY MEASURES (ABC’S)

A. Be careful of parking under large trees and traveling in general. Saturated ground may cause trees or branches to fall unexpectedly, posing a risk to vehicles and pedestrians. Only travel when necessary and remain alert on the roads.

B. Avoid low-lying bridges, drifts and flooded river crossings. Fast-flowing water can rise rapidly and may sweep away vehicles or pedestrians. Never attempt to cross a flooded bridge or roadway.

C. Multiple areas are currently experiencing unplanned power interruptions. Residents are urged to remain cautious around electrical infrastructure and to treat all power lines as live.

D. Motorists are advised to exercise caution on the N2 between Klein Brak River and Great Brak River due to sand and debris on the roadway. Reduced speeds are advised. Relevant teams from SANRAL and Mossel Bay Municipality are attending to the area.

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The Garden Route District Municipality Disaster Management Unit encourages the public to report flood-related incidents to the 24/7 Emergency Call Centre of the GRDM – 044 805 5071 or WhatsApp 081 709 5193