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:

Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Alert 15 on 11 May 2026 at 11h45

Issued by Garden Route District Municipality

The Multi-Agency Command Centre has been alerted that schools from Mossel Bay, George, Knysna and Bitou have been advised to inform their learners return home.

For weather-related incidents, contact the GRDM 24/7 Emergency Call Centre on 044 805 5071 or WhatsApp 081 709 5193

Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Alert 14 on 11 May 2026 at 09h45

Issued by Garden Route District Municipality

SITUATION SUMMARY

At present, adverse weather conditions and strong winds are preventing the Multi-Agency Command Centre from deploying helicopter support. Aerial operations will resume as soon as weather conditions improve. Residents who are aware of individuals requiring urgent assistance are requested to contact the GRDM Disaster Management Centre on 044 805 5071 or their nearest local municipality.

With regards to humanitarian assistance, nearly 1500 food parcels/hampers have been distributed to communities in distress. The Gift-of-the-Givers and dozens of other Faith Based Organisations and Non-Profit Organisations have co-coordinated these supplies.

There are currently 61 roads closed across the Garden Route region as a result of ongoing flooding, landslides, fallen trees, and infrastructure damage. Response teams continue to work around the clock to restore access to roads and cut-off communities and essential services.

The R328 between De Kombuys Estate and Cango Mountain Resort remains closed while teams from the Western Cape Government (WCG) Department of Infrastructure (DOI) and the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) continue clearing a significant landslide and rockfall in the area. The estimated time to clear this road is not known.

On the eastern side of the region, work will continue on the N2 at the KwaNokuthula turn-off, where severe road surface damage occurred due to a blocked culvert. Stop-and-go traffic control measures will remain in place while engineers install drainage pipes to remove excess water and stabilise the roadway as quickly as possible.

Meiringspoort also remains closed. Motorists travelling towards Willowmore are advised to make use of the N9 as an alternative route. The estimated time to clear this road is not known because of the extent of the damage.

GRDM water tankers continue supplying water to communities where municipal water systems cannot operate due to electricity outages affecting pump stations and where other infrastructure was damaged. Water delivery operations are currently underway in Uniondale and Bitou.

Additional electricity disruptions have been reported in areas including Nature’s Valley, Hoekwil, Kurland and The Crags.

ESKOM and technical response teams are prioritising access to affected areas to restore critical services, repair damaged transformers, and attend to ten damaged power lines in the Kammanassie and Langkloof areas.

GRDM Fire and Rescue Services have deployed 25 firefighters to assist with the clearing of fallen trees and debris on roads throughout the district, in support of local municipal teams. Community volunteers with chainsaw equipment and relevant experience are encouraged to contact their local municipality should they wish to assist.

CRITICAL ALERTS

Humanitarian Response and Rescues – 10 May 2026

– Seven isolated areas in the Kammanassie region were reached yesterday, 10 May 2026.
– A total of 30 food parcels were delivered to affected families.
– Emergency food supplies were delivered to an elderly couple in the north-eastern part of Uniondale.
– Two individuals were successfully airlifted from the Kammanassie area.

Priority Operations – 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.

SCHOOLS CLOSED

– Britsevlakte Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk Primary School
– De Jager Verenigde Gereformeerde Kerk Primary School
– Geelhoutboom Verenigde Gereformeerde Kerk Primary School
– Goedgegun Verenigde Gereformeerde Kerk Primary School
– Grootkraal United Congregational Church Primary School
– Hoogekraal Suid-Afrikaanse Sendingkerk en Verenigende Kerk Primary School
– Klaarstroom Primary School
– Kommandantsdrift Suid-Afrikaanse Sendingkerk en Verenigende Kerk Primary School
– Lategansvlei Suid-Afrikaanse Sendingkerk en Verenigende Kerk Primary School
– Mooi Uitsig Primary School No. 2
– Rooiheuwel Verenigde Gereformeerde Kerk Primary School

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

Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Alert 13 on 10 May 2026 at 18h30

Issued by Garden Route District Municipality

UPDATE ON THE FLOODING STATUS TROUGHOUT THE GARDEN ROUTE

After a successful coordination meeting earlier this morning between the GRDM MACC, Eskom, the District Roads Engineer, and the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, priority areas requiring reconnection were discussed and key roads requiring urgent repair were identified.
Following these discussions, Eskom managed to restore electricity to several affected areas that were previously without power.

Electricity supply to Buffels Bay has since been restored.
However, the Kammanassie area remains a significant challenge, as the area has been severely affected by the recent weather conditions.

Bitou have raised concern over reports of vandalism and cable theft, particularly in the Bitou area, where electricity lines that are not yet live have become targets for criminals. More than one hundred thousand rand worth of cable has reportedly been stolen. Local SAPS members and neighbourhood watches have been requested to remain on high alert and monitor affected areas.

The helicopter pilot who was scheduled to assist on the Eastern Cape side was unfortunately unable to fly due to wind speeds of up to 45 knots. However, the Air Mercy Services helicopter based in Oudtshoorn was able to assist and attend to some of the affected areas.

HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE

All calls received have been attended to and addressed. One or two requests remain in line for the next round of deliveries.

OUDTSHOORN:
A total of 56 people are currently accommodated at the Toekomsrust Community Hall, while 26 people are being accommodated at the De Rust Community Hall.

All surrounding roads are open, with the exception of Meiringspoort. The Kleinpoort area, parts of Rooiheuwel, and sections of Pardebond remain cut off.

Two of the six low-water bridges in town have been reopened. The Municipality’s Infrastructure Department will conduct assessments on the remaining bridges tomorrow. Four water tankers are currently operational, delivering water to the Dysselsdorp, De Rust, Welbedag, and Volmoed areas.

BITOU:

ROAD CLOSURE UPDATE – N2 BITOU

The N2 at Bitou is currently closed until further notice. The planned closure is in effect from now until 06h00 on Tuesday, 12 May 2026.

Provincial Traffic and Bitou Local Municipality Traffic are assisting with traffic diversions via the KwaNokuthula township, with vehicles rejoining the N2 thereafter.

SANRAL will be installing a temporary pipe across the N2 to restore functionality and support the reopening of the route.

ELECTRICAL OUTAGES IN BITOU

Areas still affected by electrical outages includes:
Keurbooms – Expected to be energized soon.
Ladywood – Work is ongoing under difficult terrain conditions.
Single Complaints – Three teams are currently attending to reported faults.

All remaining Eskom supplied areas are still without electricity and no estimated timeframes for restoration have been provided yet.

ROAD AND OPERATIONAL UPDATE

The District Roads Engineer has confirmed that they are still busy with assessment of roads in affected areas, however the Cango Caves Road will remain closed for some time.

Over the next week, operational focus will primarily be on Kammanassie, Daskop, Eensaamheid, De Vlugt, and Kykoe, where teams will continue with assessments and recovery work.

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Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Alert 12 on 10 May 2026 at 12h30

Issued by Garden Route District Municipality

UPDATE ON THE FLOODING STATUS TROUGHOUT THE GARDEN ROUTE

At this stage, many people remain cut off in affected areas. As weather conditions permitted yesterday, an aerial survey was conducted by helicopter across the district to assess structural damage to roads and infrastructure, as well as to determine whether any persons are in need of humanitarian assistance or medical care.

The Kammanassie area has been severely affected, with several areas still isolated. Road repair operations in these areas are being prioritised today, with the District Roads Engineer and his teams currently on site. Additional teams are expected to move into the Kammanassie and De Vlugt areas tomorrow to assist in re-establishing access routes.

These areas also remain without electricity.

Earlier this morning, a special coordination meeting was held between the Department of Infrastructure, Eskom, and communication network stakeholders to identify priority areas where roads need to be restored to allow electricity infrastructure to become operational again.

In Bitou and Knysna is also still areas that is without electricity and that is also a priority to get these areas up and running.

HUMANITARIAN RELIEF UPDATE

Humanitarian relief teams continue to distribute food parcels and blankets to affected communities. Yesterday and today, teams have been delivering relief parcels to areas including De Vlugt, Kammanassie, and surrounding Klein Karoo farms. Most immediate needs have been addressed.

The AMS Medical Rescue Helicopter is currently preparing to access areas identified since last night. A welfare check will also be conducted at Marthinusberg, where an elderly couple is believed to have last made contact on Tuesday.

Weather conditions remain a key factor, and authorities are hopeful that conditions will remain favourable to reach these isolated areas.

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

Two helicopters from Air Mercy Services, the Department of Health, and EMS in Oudtshoorn remain on standby to assist with medical emergencies.

A South African Police Service helicopter is also being utilised to support operations towards the Eastern Cape region and will assist in the Uniondale, Misgund, Krakeel, and Kareedouw areas.

SOUTH CAPE WEATHER SERVICE PREDICTS COLD FRONT FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW

As previously communicated, weather predictions indicate that the western parts of the Western Cape are expected to be most affected by the approaching cold front.

Colleagues in the Cape Winelands, Overberg, and Metropolitan areas remain on high alert and are preparing for the predicted storm conditions.

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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

Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Alert 11 on 9 May 2026 at 09h00

Issued by Garden Route District Municipality

According to Gerhard Otto, GRDM Head of Disaster Management: “These floods are the worst that the Garden Route have experienced in the past 30 years. It has left widespread devastation across the eastern parts of the region, leaving several communities isolated and infrastructure heavily impacted with at least 45 roads closed”.

Reconnaissance flights will also be conducted to assess damage and identify stranded residents in isolated areas. Another humanitarian relief operation is planned for today, with assistance expected to reach approximately 100 people in De Vlugt.

As of this morning, electricity supply to Bitou has been restored, while water pumping systems are operational again. Sewerage pump stations, however, have not yet been fully restored and Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) continue to closely monitor the water surrounding these sites.

A major concern remains Haarlem, which is currently completely cut off due to flood damage. Concerned family members have been unable to make contact with loved ones in these areas. Additional aerial assistance has been requested to conduct assessments over Haarlem and Avontuur to evaluate conditions and identify urgent needs.

Emergency teams from George Municipality are currently making use of a temporary pump system in Uniondale to maintain essential services. Backup systems have been put in place within the Uniondale and Haarlem areas.

Large areas along the N9 route towards Haarlem, including Herold, Louvain, Joncksrust, Avontuur and surrounding communities, remain without electricity.

Additionally, aerial assistance has been requested for the Prince Albert Municipal Area, in the Central Karoo District where several farms have been cut off.

DISASTER RESCUES

• Two people became stuck in a truck at Meiringspoort in a truck yesterday and they were safely airlifted from the incident.
• Two people were successfully airlifted out of the Gamka Nature Reserve yesterday and medical supplies dropped off.
• Aerial activation was also done for Van Wyksdorp, where two persons were surrounded by flood waters, however managed to self-rescue when the vehicle shifted to a lower bank in the stream.
• At Die Hel (near the Swartberg Wildlife Reserve), 11 guests will be airlifted and taken to safety.

HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE AT COMMUNITY HALLS

– George (29)
– Bitou (224)
– Knysna (±200)
– Oudtshoorn (32)

ROADS STATUS UPDATE

Due to rock falls, the R328 to Cango Caves from Oudtshoorn had to close due to rock falls.

Details of roads open, closed or partially open will be published as soon as it is issued by the Department of Infrastructure team.

Follow the Garden Route District Municipality’s Facebook Page to stay updated with the Disaster Response from a regional perspective:
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𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐺𝑅𝐷𝑀 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑀𝑎𝑛𝑎𝑔𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑢𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑐 𝑡𝑜 𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑑-𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 24/7 𝐸𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦 𝐶𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝐶𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝐺𝑅𝑀, 044 805 5071 𝑜𝑟 𝑊ℎ𝑎𝑡𝑠𝐴𝑝𝑝 081 709 5193

Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Alert 10 on 8 May 2026 at 17h00

Issued by Garden Route District Municipality

Relief and shelter efforts are continuing across the district as several communities remain affected the by severe weather conditions. River and dam levels in the district are slowly subsiding as the water levels starting to drop we get access some of the critical infrastructure still flooded. Repairs to critical infrastructure like water and sewerage pump stations had been prioritized.

The South Cape Weather Service has predicted another cold front expected to reach the Western Cape on Sunday and Monday. While the system is expected to affect other parts of the province more severely, the Garden Route District may be affected mainly in the western parts of the Garden Route. These areas were not impacted by the current storms.

The district remains on high alert, as the after-effects of the current floods are expected to persist for the next week.
The Robinson Pass between Oudtshoorn and Mossel Bay was reopened earlier today. However, on the N2 near Plettenberg Bay, officials are dealing with ponding caused by a blocked culvert that is approximately four metres deep. This will require extensive work to resolve the issue. Repair work has already commenced and, at this stage, the N2 remains open with alternative routes available.

The total rainfall to date is 300ml in Plettenberg Bay, 258 ml in George and De Rust 181ml to name just a few.

Mop- up operations is currently underway and will properly continue within next week.

RESCUE MISSION

Oudtshoorn and Kannaland

DISASTER RESPONSE UPDATE:

1. A mother and baby were successfully airlifted and transported to hospital.
2. Two persons were successfully rescued from Meiringspoort and are reported to be in good health.
3. Food parcels were delivered in Gamka South.
4. All 64 persons at Cango Mountain Resort were safely escorted out to alternative accommodation and homes respectively.
5. Two persons will be extracted from the Gamka Nature Reserve, while medical supplies have been dropped off.
6. A further 35 food parcels will be delivered simultaneously in the Gamka South area within the next 30 minutes.

CUT-OFF AREAS

Oudtshoorn: Rietvlei, Middelplaas, Kleinspoort and Bakenskraal. These areas are also on the list for food parcels.

All individuals requiring assistance who have made contact currently number approximately 250 people.

In the Knysna and Plettenberg Bay municipal areas, a significant number of residents are still being accommodated in community halls.

All main routes are accessible. However, residents and travellers are advised to refrain from using secondary roads and gravel roads within the district, as these remain wet and in some areas inaccessible.

ROAD STATUS UPDATE:

Oudtshoorn
Open Roads:
TR16/10 — Murraysburg to Graaff-Reinet (road flooded but passable)
TR34/2 — Prince Albert to Klaarstroom
TR31/5 — Huisrivierpas (rockfall cleared)
TR1/2 — Noll to Harold (debris removed)

Closed Roads:
DRE TR33/4 — Meiringspoort (poort flooded)
TR44/1 — Avontuur to Eastern Cape boundary (road flooded)
TR2/12 — Natures Valley to N2 (road flooded)
TR58/1 — Molteno Pass, Beaufort West to Loxton (road flooded)
TR33/2 — Oudtshoorn to Mossel Bay (expected to reopen by 13h00 on 8 May 2026)

Uniondale
Closed Roads:
MR401 — Uniondale Poort (poort flooded)
MR401 — Uniondale town (bridge approaches affected)
MR399 — Avontuur (road flooded)
MR368 — Hoekplaaspad (river overtopping road)
DR1845 — Toorwater/Nietgenaamd (road and low-level structures flooded)
DR1846 — Warmbad (road and low-level structures flooded)
DR1843 — Vaalwater (road and low-level structures flooded)
DR1840 — Hartbeesrivier (road and low-level structures flooded)
DR1837 — Dwarsfontein (road and low-level structures flooded)

Bo-Langkloof
Open Roads:
DR1640 — Harold (trees removed)

Closed Roads:
DR1645 — Waboomskraal (trees on road / tree over road)
DR1659 — Eensaamheid (river overtopping road)
DR1647 — Noll (water overtopping road)
DR1650 — Daskop (river overtopping road)
DR1654 — Molenrivier (tree over road)
DR1653 — Kykoe (tree over road)
DR1660 — Pietersrivier (water overtopping road)

Oudtshoorn East
Closed Roads:
DR1707 — Middelplaas (Meiringspoort River flooding)
DR1694 — Le Rouxstasie (Olifants River flooding)
DR1692 — Van Wykskraal (Olifants River flooding)
DR1673 — Kamanassiedam (Olifants River flooding)
DR1668 — Kleinspoort (Kammanassie River flooding)
DR1704 — Vlakteplaas (Olifants River flooding)
DR1694 — Vergelegen (river flooding)
DR1713 — Oude Muragie (rivers flooding)

Oudtshoorn West
Open Roads:

DR1671 — Highgate (Olifants River flooding nearby)
DR1688 — Old Concrete Road (debris removed)

Closed Roads:
MR369 — Swartberg Pass (heavy rain)
DR1677 — Wynandsrivier (river flooding)
MR358 — Volmoed (Olifants River flooding)
DR1649 — Paardebond (river flooding)
MR363 — Matjiesrivier (low-level structure overflowing)

Calitzdorp
Closed Roads:
DR1709 — Groenfontein (road flooded)
DR1706 — Groenfontein (road and low-level structures flooded)
DR1681 — Middelpad (road and low-level structures flooded)
DR1675 — Doornkloof (road and low-level structures flooded)
DR1676 — Vleirivier (road and low-level structures flooded)
DR1690 — Gais (road and low-level structures flooded)
DR1674 — Jagberg (road and low-level structures flooded)

Ladismith
Closed Roads:
MR309 — Seweweekspoort (road and low-level structures flooded)

Van Wyksdorp
Closed Roads:
DR1666 — Baviaanskrans (road and low-level structures flooded)

Knysna / Plettenberg Bay
Open Roads:

MR351 — Barrington (trees on road)
MR394 — Keurboomstrand (trees over road)

Closed Roads:
MR390 — Kruisvallei (trees on road / flooding)
MR355 — 7 Passes (trees on road)
DR1615 — Swart Rivier (river overtopping)
MR346 — Buffelsbaai (river overtopping)
DR1888 — Keurboomstrand (closed signs in place)
DR1613 — Phantom Pass (trees over road)

George West
Closed Roads:
DR1602 — Kleinplaas (river overtopping)
DR1633 — Jonkersberg (river overtopping / structure under construction)
DR1630 — Leeukloof (river overtopping)
DR1581 — Geelbeksvlei (river overtopping)
DR1617 — Nuwedrif (river overtopping)
DR1639 — Geelhoutboomberg (road underwater)
DR1634 — Searles (road underwater)
DR1624 — Kleinfontein (road underwater)

George East
Partially Open:
MR355 — 7 Passes near Geelhoutboom River (one lane open; half lane washed away and culvert exposed)

Closed Roads:
DR1625 — Die Vleie Oos (river overtopping)
DR1615 — Swart Rivier (flooding)

Mossel Bay
Closed Roads:
DR1604 — Haelkraal (river overtopping)
DR1587 — Donaldshoogte / Botlierskop (river overtopping)
DR1578 — Sorgfontein (river overtopping)
DR1525 — Melkhoutfontein (river overtopping)

Albertinia
Closed Roads:
MR337 — Albertinia (river overtopping)
Heidelberg
Closed Roads:
DR1266 — Gwarrievallei (river in flood)

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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

Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Alert 9 on 8 May 2026 at 10h00

Issued by Garden Route District Municipality

UPDATE ON CURRENT FLOODING TROUGHOUT THE GARDEN ROUTE

Weather conditions across the district have improved today, with clearer skies and access restored to many affected areas. The main priority today is to assess isolated communities and identify where humanitarian support is needed.

With assistance from the EMS emergency helicopter, reconnaissance flights will take place over cut-off areas, starting in Leeu-Gamka West and Calitzdorp, before moving to De Vlugt and parts of the Langkloof.

Some areas in the Langkloof, Plettenberg Bay and Knysna are still without electricity. Eskom has been requested to prioritise power restoration, especially where electricity is needed for water pumping and sanitation services.

Rescue teams will also continue efforts to reach a group of scholars stranded below the Raubenheimer Dam at the Cango Mountain Resort. Contact was made with the group last night, and humanitarian assistance will be provided today.

Efforts for the rest of the day will mainly focus on reopening key provincial roads. National routes have largely reopened, while restoring the internal road network remains a priority.

AREAS INACCESSIBLE

The following areas remain inaccessible due to flooding and infrastructure damage:

Oudtshoorn Municipal area
– Middelplaas
– Volmoed
– Cango Bergoord
– De Oude Meul
– Moeras River
– Proefplaas
– Meiringspoort.

Kannaland Municipal area
– Paardebont (close to Van Wyksdorp)
– Middelpad at Calitzdorp Hot Springs
– Gamka-Oos

George Municipal area
– Mount Hope (past Zebra)
– De Vlugt
– Kammanassie

Bitou Municipal area
– SNK & Fisantehoek
– Wittedrift

Humanitarian assistance has been requested from Gift of the Givers, with five-day food parcels being prepared for delivery. Air support may be utilised where possible.

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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

Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Alert 8 on 7 May 2026 at 19h00

Issued by Garden Route District Municipality

Residents are urged to remain cautious as flooding is still ongoing across several areas. Dams continue to spill, with the Stompdrift Dam currently at 139%, while the Meiringspoort River remains in flood as it passes through Oudtshoorn, passing Calitzdorp Hot Springs via the Olifant’s River and down to the Gourits. The route from Oudtshoorn via Calitzdorp Hot Springs to Gourits has been severely affected, with multiple farms cut off and many residents impacted.

Meiringspoort Pass is expected to remain closed for an extended period. The N9 also remains closed and is accessible only for emergency services. Road users can alternatively travel via the R341 through De Rust to Oudtshoorn. From Oudtshoorn, motorists can continue towards George via the N12, or travel along the R62 towards Calitzdorp, Ladismith and beyond.

AREAS INACCESSIBLE

The following areas remain inaccessible due to flooding and infrastructure damage:
Oudtshoorn Municipal area
– Middelplaas
– Volmoed
– Cango Bergoord
– De Oude Meul
– Moeras River
– Proefplaas
– Meiringspoort.

Kannaland Municipal area
– Paardebont (close to Van Wyksdorp)
– Middelpad at Calitzdorp Hot Springs
– Gamka-Oos

George Municipal area
– Mount Hope (past Zebra)
– De Vlugt
– Kammanassie

Bitou Municipal area
– SNK & Fisantehoek
– Wittedrift

Humanitarian assistance has been requested from Gift of the Givers, with five-day food parcels being prepared for delivery. Air support may be utilised where possible. Authorities have attempted to reach a school group at Cango Bergoord, consisting of 64 people, but the area remains inaccessible.

CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE ISSUES

– The Uplands Water Works on the R340 has been severely affected. The facility supplies approximately 80% of Bitou Municipality’s water and repairs are critical.
– The Bitou Municipality currently has sufficient water in reservoirs for at least today.
– The Bitou Municipality’s Roodefontein Pump Station has also been flooded.
– Access to the Nature’s Valley Pump Station has also been compromised.
– In Uniondale, a water pipeline was washed away and water tankers provided by GRDM are currently supplying affected communities.

Only follow municipal Facebook pages and WhatsApp Channels for updates in town areas:
Garden Route District Municipality
www.facebook.com/gardenroutedistrictmunicipality

STATUS OF ROADS

Oudtshoorn Area

DR1707 – Middelplaas (closed)
MR369 – Swartberg Pass (closed)
MR401 – Uniondale Poort (closed)
MR401 – Uniondale town approaches (closed)
MR399 – Avontuur (closed)

Kannaland Area

DR1706 – Groenfontein (closed)
MR309 – Seweweekspoort (closed)

George / Knysna / Bitou Area

DR1615 – Swart Rivier (closed)
MR346 – Buffelsbaai (closed)
DR1888 – Keurboomstrand (closed)
MR390 – Kruisvallei / Uplands intersection (closed)
DR1613 – Phantom Pass (closed)
DR1602 – Kleinplaas (closed)
DR1633 – Jonkersberg (closed)
DR1604 – Haelkraal (closed)

Trunk Roads

TR33/4 – Meiringspoort (closed)
TR44/1 – Avontuur to Eastern Cape boundary (closed)
TR1/2 – Noll to Harold (closed)
TR2/12 – Nature’s Valley to N2 (closed)
TR16/10 – Murraysburg to Graaff-Reinet (closed)
TR58/1 – Molteno Pass (Beaufort West to Loxton) (closed)
TR1/2 – N9 section near Uniondale (closed)
TR33/2 – Oudtshoorn flooded section (closed)

ROADS OPEN/PARTIALLY OPEN

Oudtshoorn Area

DR1640 – Montagu Pass — one lane open
George / Knysna Area
MR390 – Kruisvallei (km 0–1.44) — open
MR355 – Seven Passes Road — open after tree removal
MR351 – Barrington — open
MR394 – Keurboomstrand — open

Trunk Roads

TR34/2 – Prince Albert to Klaarstroom — open
TR31/5 – Huisrivier Pass — stop-and-go system in place

Motorists are urged to avoid unnecessary travel as conditions may change rapidly due to ongoing rainfall, flooding rivers, falling trees, and damaged road infrastructure.