Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Alert 16 on 11 May 2026 at 18h00

Issued by Garden Route District Municipality

SITUATION SUMMARY

TWO PEOPLE LOST THEIR LIVES

This morning, at approximately 10h00, a tragic incident occurred in Blanco when a 64-year-old woman lost her life after a tree uprooted and fell on her. Emergency medical services responded to the scene, but she was unfortunately declared deceased upon their arrival.

In a separate incident at Klaarstroom (foot of Swartberg Mountains), a man tried to cross a river on Saturday, 9 May 2026. Unfortunately he was swept away by the floodwaters. His body was spotted today in Meiringspoort after his father searched for hi. His body will be recovered when weather permits for a helicopter to fly.

“On behalf of the Garden Route, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of those who lost their lives during these tragic incidents,” said Executive Mayor Marais Kruger.

According to Gerhard Otto, GRDM Head of Disaster Management: “Trees, branches, roofing material and other debris may still pose dangers to both motorists and pedestrians”.

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE REQUEST FOR ANOTHER LADY IN LABOUR

A request was communicated to the GRDM MACC for a lady who needs to go into labour and who requested to be assisted by medics. The plan is to consider deploying medics from the South African Infantry School in Oudtshoorn with a 4 x 4 ambulance.

STATUS OF ROADS

Several trucks overturned on the N2 between Hessequa and Plettenberg Bay. Hessequa alone recorded three trucks that overturned.

Around 15h30 today, the Western Cape Provincial Government informed the public that 55 roads are closed, with 5 partially open and 15 re-opened.

HIGHLIGHTS: 11 MAY 2026:

– Continued clearing of fallen trees and debris on roads across the district.
– Ongoing restoration of electricity infrastructure by ESKOM teams.
– Repairs to ten damaged power lines in the Kammanassie and Langkloof areas.
– Stabilisation and drainage work on the N2 near the KwaNokuthula turn-off.
– Continued landslide clearing operations on the R328.
– Water tanker support to communities affected by pump station failures.
– Restoration of access routes to isolated communities as weather conditions allow.

SCHOOL CLOSURES: 12 MAY 2026

All schools within the Garden Route will be closed tomorrow, 12 May 2026.

Disaster-related updates are published by Local Government here: