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Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Alert 5 on 6 May 2026 at 08h30

Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Alert 5 on 6 May 2026 at 08h30

Issued by Garden Route District Municipality

Weather warnings have been downgraded from Level 8 to Level 6. Areas of particular concern remain the Knysna, Bitou and George (Langkloof) areas.

During the night, the Stormdrift and Kammanassie Dams began spilling, adding to the water flowing from the Groot River through to Meiringspoort. These flows continue past Oudtshoorn and Calitzdorp Hot Springs before eventually reaching Gouritz where it will flow into the sea.

Due to the increased water flow, Robinson Pass from the Oudtshoorn side has been closed. Meiringspoort also remains closed, with current assessments indicating that it may remain inaccessible for an extended period due to the extent of the damage recorded.

In Bitou, water supply challenges are being experienced after pumps at water abstraction points were damaged. Some communities have also been cut off from communication, and interventions are underway to address these challenges.

The N9 remains closed, as well as the road between Avontuur and Haarlem, and the Swartberg Pass.

AREAS CUT-OFF

Oudtshoorn Municipal Area
– Middelplaas
– Volmoed
– Cango Bergoord
– De Oude Meul
– Moeras River
– Proefplaas

Kannaland Municipal Area
– Paardebont (close to Van Wyksdorp)

George Municipal Area
– Mount Hope (past Zebra)

SHELTER PROVIDED

There are about being looked after in community halls in the district. Most are in the Knysna area. Relief and shelter efforts are continuing across the district with around 450 people who remain affected by severe weather conditions. Water levels are expected to subside, with most runoff anticipated later this afternoon.

Bitou Municipal Area
– Kranshoek: 58
– Wittedrift: 20
– Piesang Valley:

Knysna Municipal Area
– Hornlee Community Hall: 40
– Masefundi Library: 200
– Loerie Park: 30
– Sedgefield: 10
– Smutsville: 10
– Chris Hani: 5
– Methodist Church:

Oudtshoorn Municipal Area

-Toekomsrus, Welgeluk, GG Kamp, Black Joint: 54
– De Rust: 25

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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