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Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Update 17 on 12 May 2026 at 08h30

Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Update 17 on 12 May 2026 at 08h30

Issued by Garden Route District Municipality

SITUATION SUMMARY

Today’s wind forecast for the entire region is 50 km/h (Orange Level 5), following severe gusts that exceeded 100 km/h on 11 May 2026. Damaging winds and waves along the coastline also remain a concern, with an Orange Level 4 warning currently in place.

Rainfall warnings of Orange Level 2 have been issued for George, Mossel Bay, and Hessequa, while Plettenberg Bay and Knysna is expected to experience more severe conditions, with an Orange Level 6 rainfall warning in effect today.

In addition, a Yellow Level 2 warning for storm surge conditions remains active along the entire coastline and is valid until midday on 13 May 2026.

HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE

With rainy weather conditions continuing, members of the public who have lost their homes will need to be accommodated in community halls. At present, approximately 650 people are being sheltered at various community halls across the region:
– George (25)
– Knysna (391)
– Bitou (116)
– Oudtshoorn (65)
– Kannaland (53)
– Hessequa (0)
– Mossel Bay (0)

Seventy (70) learners (mostly matriculants), from Klaarstroom, are stranded at De Rust. The Department of Education are planning for learners to return home.

PRIORITIES FOR TODAY, 12 MAY 2026

– As electricity is restored in affected areas, particularly in rural areas such as Kammanassie, Joncksrust, and Hartebees River (south-east of Uniondale), residents cut off from roads are increasingly able to contact authorities to request food supplies.
– Further aerial support may be required, although current weather conditions are unfavourable. The SANDF has made a specialised 4×4 vehicle available to assist, and it is hoped that this resource will improve access to affected communities.
– Fire and Rescue Teams will continue to monitor and control affected areas for tree removals, including the clearing of dangerous or partially hanging branches that may pose a safety risk.
– The District Roads Engineer is assessing damaged routes to determine where roads can be restored or where alternative access routes can be created.

HIGHLIGHTS: 11 MAY 2026

– We are pleased to announce that the lady who went into labour yesterday was safely transported by the South African Infantry School, using a specialised 4×4 ambulance, to the Oudtshoorn Provincial Hospital. She successfully gave birth to a healthy baby girl shortly after 17h00.
– The body of the deceased man who was swept away in Klaarstroom to Meiringspoort, was recovered yesterday afternoon by the EMS Provincial Ambulance Services. His body was carried approximately 1.2 km from the location where it was discovered.
– The GRDM water tankers (8 000L and 10 000L) continue to provide assistance in the Bitou municipal area.
– GRDM also provided support to Kannaland Municipality after the informal settlement at Varkieskraal in Ladismith was flattened. Affected community members are currently being accommodated at a community hall. GRDM supplied gum poles, 40 mattresses, and 100 blankets as part of the relief efforts.
– George Municipality also requested additional assistance, and GRDM provided its remaining mattresses along with 80 blankets to support affected residents.

STATUS OF ROADS

During emergencies, authorities may fast-track or temporarily exempt some of these approvals. Certain emergency response and recovery activities may trigger environmental authorisations in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), which may include amongst others:
– Opening temporary roads to isolated communities
– Removing flood debris from rivers
– Repairing damaged bridges or embankments
– Stabilising landslide areas
– Installing temporary infrastructure for disaster relief

AT 20h00 last night, the Western Cape Provincial Government informed the public that 50 roads are closed, with 11 partially open and 26 re-opened.

SCHOOLS ARE CLOSED TODAY, 12 MAY 2026

Disaster-related updates are published by Local Government here:

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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