Disaster Management

23 September 2026 Media Release: Garden Route strengthens preparedness for 2026/27 summer season amid climate risks

Media Release: Garden Route strengthens preparedness for 2026/27 summer season amid climate risks

23 September 2026

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is strengthening its preparedness for the upcoming 2026/27 summer and fire season, with a focus on early action, changing weather patterns, increased visitor numbers and the possibility of multiple emergencies occurring simultaneously.

According to GRDM Disaster Manager Gerhard Otto, the latest global climate outlook indicates that El Niño is established and expected to strengthen before peaking towards the end of 2026. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) estimates a nearly 100% likelihood that El Niño will persist through February 2027. Very strong El Niño conditions can influence rainfall and temperature patterns and increase the risk of extreme heat, drought and other weather-related hazards.

While the strength of El Niño does not determine the severity of impacts in a specific region, GRDM is preparing for increased pressure on fire response, water resources, traffic, coastal activities and emergency services.

“We have learned difficult lessons from the fires, floods, severe weather and other incidents experienced in recent months and years. Climate change and changing weather patterns mean that preparedness cannot only begin when a disaster occurs; it must be an ongoing effort,” said Otto.

GRDM’s preparedness is supported by district standby arrangements, early-warning systems, inter-agency coordination, fire response capacity, municipal health services and emergency equipment. Three strategically positioned fire stations in George, Riversdale and Ladismith, mutual-aid arrangements with local municipalities, PetroSA and neighbouring districts, and an operational Incident Command System further strengthen response capacity.

Mr Gerhard Otto, GRDM Head: Disaster Management

GRDM Head of Environmental Management, Dr Nina Viljoen, emphasised that climate impacts will vary across the district. Coastal areas, inland farming regions and the Klein Karoo have different vulnerabilities, with prolonged hot and dry conditions potentially increasing water stress and veld-fire danger, while heavy rainfall can contribute to flooding, erosion and pressure on rivers, estuaries and coastal environments.

Residents, landowners, businesses and visitors are encouraged to use water responsibly, prevent avoidable fires and protect environmentally sensitive areas, including wetlands, rivers, catchments, dunes and indigenous vegetation.

Water security remains a key focus. No immediate water-security threats are currently foreseen in Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George or Bitou, while medium- to long-term concerns remain in Kannaland, Knysna and Oudtshoorn.

Priority interventions include water-supply measures in Dysselsdorp and the Klein Karoo, groundwater augmentation in Calitzdorp, additional water sources for Zoar, borehole refurbishment in Ladismith, and alternative groundwater schemes for Knysna, Buffalo Bay and Sedgefield.

GRDM will also have access to one 6 000-litre and two 10 000-litre water tankers, as well as mobile and static generators to support emergency operations. Drinking and recreational water will continue to be monitored through regular sampling during the holiday period.

From 1 December 2026, seasonal firefighters and dedicated aerial firefighting resources will be activated, while lifesaving services will also be deployed.

The busy December and January holiday period will require close coordination between traffic services, law enforcement, emergency services, municipal health, waste management and beach safety teams.

Residents, businesses and visitors are urged to help keep the Garden Route safe by using water responsibly, preventing veld fires, following fire and beach safety instructions, obeying traffic rules, disposing of waste responsibly and staying informed through official warnings.

“Our focus now is on being proactive rather than reactive. We must monitor risks continuously, prepare early, respond together and ensure that support is available when local capacity is stretched,” said Otto.

GRDM enters the 2026/27 summer season with established readiness arrangements, strong partnerships and clear municipal preparations. Preparedness, however, remains a shared responsibility.

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16 September 2026 Media Release: R26 million in disaster response funding transferred to Garden Route local municipalities

Media Release: R26 million in disaster response funding transferred to Garden Route local municipalities

Immediate release
16 September 2026

The repair of critical services infrastructure in the Garden Route District is set to be majorly accelerated, following the transfer of R26 million in Municipal Disaster Response Grant (MDRG) funding by the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) to five local municipalities in the Garden Route. More projects will be submitted separately for consideration under another grant, known as the National Disaster Rehabilitation Grant, which will be presented to the National Cabinet later this month alongside the national budget adjustment.

According to Gerhard Otto, GRDM Head: Disaster Management, “Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Bitou and George will receive R5 million each, while Kannaland would be receiving R6 million”.

At the Bitou and Oudtshoorn local municipalities these funds would be used for the emergency repairs required on some streets, while George Local Municipality would focus mainly on the repairs required to the main water supply line from the Haarlem Dam to Uniondale.

At Kannaland Local Municipality, both the repairs required to one of the main access bridges in Calitzdorp, as well as emergency repairs and protection required at a transformer in Ladismith, would receive attention, and at Knysna Local Municipality the slope remediation and repairs required at Fedricks Street would be addressed.

The funding must be spent within six months on repairing damage caused by the severe weather events which adversely impacted the district in May 2026. The Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC), NDMC and Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), will be meeting with local municipalities to formally launch the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) process required under the grant conditions.

These funding injections mean that municipalities would not need to wait for new municipal budget cycles for the repair works to commence. Adjustment budgets will be presented to the various Councils, officially confirming the funds that were allocated by the NDMC.

“Allocations typically prioritise basic services related water and sanitation works, including repairs to main water supply pipelines and sewerage infrastructure’, said Gerhard Otto.

He further elaborated that this emergency fund originates from a nationally allocated R213,4 million, which was released to three provinces as a practical intervention to address damages sustained during the May 2026 floods. “Of this, the Western Cape received R71,4 million,” confirmed Otto.

Each municipality will be expected to report on its readiness to implement approved projects, flag any completed projects eligible for fund reallocation, and identify any outstanding environmental approvals that could affect implementation timelines.

As the district municipality, GRDM is mandated and has successfully, under the Disaster Management Act, supported the PDMC and NDMC for more than 20 years in overseeing how the funds are spent by local municipalities.

Feature image: Damage to a low-lying bridge adjacent to Calitzdorp Hot Springs during the floods in May and June 2026.

END

24 August 2026 Media Release: R9 million to date for a Stronger, Faster, Better Prepared Hazmat and Flood Responses

Media Release: R9 million to date for a Stronger, Faster, Better Prepared Hazmat and Flood Responses

For Immediate Release
24 August 2026

The Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Fire and Rescue Services reached another milestone today when the last of its Fire Service Capacity Grant for Hazardous Materials equipment worth R1.5 million was handed over to the GRDM by the Western Cape Government (WCG) Department of Local Government (DLG) earlier today. It was also shared by Disaster Management that the construction a R7,5 million flood response base, phase one, remains on track. The grant, which is geared to help Local Government protect communities, is administered WCG DLG.

The stakeholders present during the handover ceremony earlier today, 24 August 2026.

Learner Firefighters Ebenezer Shikapa (left) and Rodwin Quiton Van Wyk wearing Class A suits – fully encapsulated suits with breathing apparatuses.

Deon Stoffels, GRDM Fire Chief said that “through this funding, mobile response trailers have already been strategically positioned in Knysna, Riversdale, and the Kannaland/Oudtshoorn area to facilitate rapid deployment and effective initial incident management”.

“Our teams are now more than ever before, equipped with the necessary specialised resources, remain in a constant state of preparedness along key transportation corridors within the Western Cape”.

Firefighters often face dangerous incidents, and this grant helps us to work safely and effectively,” he said.

Hazmat-related incidents often take place along Garden Route transportation corridors include the likes of the N2, N9, R62 and associated road networks, as well as challenging areas such as the Swartberg Pass.

Commenting on the flood-response base, Gerhard Otto, GRDM Manager: Disaster Management, said the facility would provide secure storage for flood-response equipment, water tankers, mobile backup generators and firefighting vehicles. It will also provide a dedicated space for training, including practical rope-rescue techniques.

Phase one, funded out of the same grant as the hazmat materials, includes the construction of the foundation and roof structure. Phases two and three, for which funding would need to be sourced, will involve enclosing the facility, installing electricity and completing the flooring.

During the ceremony today, Mayor Marais Kruger pointed to the handover as being more than an investment in equipment. “It is an investment in the people who protect our communities every day.”

“The true value of this investment will be measured in lives saved, communities protected, and disasters mitigated,” said Kruger.

Mayor Marais Kruger says the true value of this investment will be measured in lives saved, communities protected, and disasters mitigated.

Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu, Acting Municipal Manager says the scale and complexity of modern disasters require specialised equipment, advanced tech and highly trained personnel, to name a few.

Speaking on the strategic nature of Firefighting and Disaster Management, the GRDM Acting Municipal Manager, Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu (also the HOD for Community Services), correctly said that emergency services cannot be sustained through local resources alone.

“The scale and complexity of modern disasters require specialised equipment, advanced tech and highly trained personnel, to name a few. Strategic support is therefore, for this reason, required from Provincial Government to broaden our skills, occupational health, safety and ensure modern equipment and organisational support is a given”, she said.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS GRANT HANDOVER?

Trailer, Class A, B, C Suits, Nitrile Rubber Hazmat Gloves, Portable Decon Showers, Decon Pools, Hazmat Spill kits, Hazmat absorbents, Repair Putty 12/Box, 210L Large Mouth Over drum, Hazmat Kit – Drum & Pinhole Plugging Kit, Hazmat Kit – Wooden Cone & Wedge Kit, Hazmat Kit – External Pipe Sealing Kit, Hazmat I.D. Kit, 4 stage Gas detector and a mini compressor.

Various hazardous response unit materials now available to firefighters.

In the foreground are two portable Decon showers to be used after firefighters performed their duties at an incident.

WHAT ARE THE SPECIFICATIONS OF THE FLOOD RESPONSE BASE

Size of 700 m², 14 parking bays (bays could accommodate 22m long trailers), 0.50mm thick aluminium-zinc or Chroma deck roof sheeting/ clip lock to prevent rust, steel roof sheeting in continuous lengths, chain operated, horizontal slatted roller shutter doors on northern and southern sides of the building.

A visual representation of the flood response base which will also be situated on the same property as the Garden Route Regional Fire Station in George.

INVESTMENTS SHAPE EACH FUTURE INCIDENT RESPONSE

Together, these investments reinforce our, and the provinces’ commitment to safeguarding lives, protecting infrastructure, and enhancing the readiness of emergency services throughout the Garden Route district. The event was attended by Assistant Director, Marthinus Rust assistent Director Fire and Rescue services Western Cape Disaster Management who made it clear that the Garden Route’s response is the Western Cape Provincial Government’s response – “I am not here for me, I am here for we”, synonymous with the Western Cape Government Slogan of “For you”. The “For You” communicates that we are citizen-centric and embrace doing everything we can for the people we serve.

Editor’s notes: Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning previously said the following during a similar handover: “We are investing in preparedness, resilience and the ability of our emergency services to respond when communities need them most”.

The WCG DLG Fire Service Capacity Grant is an enabler of rapid response to chemical spills and hazardous material incidents; real-time safety monitoring of emergency response personnel; compliant on-site decontamination capabilities; mitigation of chemical Incidents; and operational readiness for incidents of any scale.

Feature image caption: Learner Firefighters Ebenezer Shikapa (left) and Rodwin Quoton Van Wyk wearing Class A suits – fully encapsulated suits with breathing apparatuses.

ENDS

27 July 2026 Media Release: Climate Resilience Tops the Garden Route Agenda

Media Release: Climate Resilience Tops the Garden Route Agenda

27 July 2026

The Garden Route can no longer prepare for yesterday’s climate. Building resilience is now essential for protecting communities, the economy and the environment.

This was the overriding message from the recent Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) Extreme Weather Summit hosted in collaboration with NMU and GRDM, where renowned climate, environmental and disaster management experts shared the latest science and practical solutions for adapting to a changing climate.

Presentations suggested that a strong El Niño event may develop towards 2027, potentially bringing drought conditions to parts of the region. At the same time, experts warned that climate change is driving more frequent and intense extreme weather events, including severe storms, floods and wildfires.

GREF Convener, Cobus Meiring, said the Garden Route has already experienced the enormous social and economic costs of climate-related disasters.

“Climate resilience is no longer an option but a necessity. Every investment in protecting our natural environment and strengthening community preparedness will reduce future disaster risks and economic losses”, said Meiring.

Delegates heard that local communities are increasingly adapting through rooftop solar energy, rainwater harvesting, improved water management and the clearing of invasive alien plants that reduce water availability and increase wildfire risks.

One of the Summit’s strongest conclusions was that protecting and restoring natural infrastructure—including mountain catchments, wetlands, rivers and estuaries—is among the most effective ways to improve water security and reduce flood impacts.

Recent disasters illustrated the urgency. The extensive damage to Meiringspoort disrupted transport and tourism, while increasingly frequent heavy truck accidents on the Swartberg Pass highlight the growing challenges posed by difficult weather conditions and climate-related risks.

The Summit demonstrated that building climate resilience requires collaboration between government, business, scientists and communities to prepare for an increasingly uncertain future.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for environmental managers and serves as a climate change think tank. Visit grefecsf.co.za for more information.

Caption 1: A panel discussion about preparing for a changing climate in the Garden Route and beyond.

Caption 2: Nelson Mandela University’s George Campus Principal, Dr Kaluke Mawila, engaging with one of the attendees.

Caption 3: Garden Route District Municipality’s Head of Disaster Management, Mr Gerhard Otto, giving an overview of disaster management in the Garden Route.

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30 June 2026 Media Release: Partnerships Key to Building Climate Resilience in the Garden Route

Partnerships Key to Building Climate Resilience in the Garden Route

30 June 2026

The severe weather that affected the Southern Cape during May and June once again exposed the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather and the urgent need to strengthen climate resilience. Following widespread flooding, storm damage, power outages, infrastructure failures and environmental impacts, stakeholders called for a coordinated reflection on the events, their consequences and the practical steps needed to improve future preparedness.

Responding to this need, the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF), together with Nelson Mandela University (NMU), the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), George Municipality, Envirodev, Stihl South Africa, Husqvarna South Africa, Suzuki George, George Herald, Beachouse Accommodation and Cape Saint Blaize, have partnered to host the Garden Route Extreme Weather Reflection Summit on 2 July 2026 at the NMU George Campus.

As the region shifts from emergency response to recovery, the full extent of the damage is becoming clearer. Some communities have been without electricity for almost two months, while clearing fallen trees, repairing damaged roads, public infrastructure and environmental assets will require significant time and investment.

A practical outcome of this partnership is capacity building.

Nearly 50 disaster management and emergency response personnel from George Municipality, GRDM, Working on Fire (WoF) and contractors will receive chainsaw operation and maintenance training to strengthen disaster preparedness, improve emergency response and support ongoing recovery efforts.

The Summit will bring together leading environmental, disaster management and climate specialists to examine the causes and impacts of recent events and explore how the region can better prepare for an increasingly uncertain climate.

Public-private partnerships are becoming indispensable for effective environmental management and disaster preparedness.

By pooling expertise, skills and resources, organisations can build stronger, more resilient communities. The lesson from recent events is clear: investing in collaboration and preparedness today is essential to reducing the social, environmental and economic costs of tomorrow’s disasters.

The Garden Route Environmnetal Forum is a public platform for environmental management entities in the Southern Cape and a climate change think- tank. (www.grefecsf.co.za)

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17 June 2026 Media Release: Cost of Recent Weather-Related Disasters Only Becomes Clear Over Time

Media Release: Cost of Recent Weather-Related Disasters Only Becomes Clear Over Time

For immediate release
17 June 2026

“Figures released by the Western Cape Government show that the damage to the region following the recent extreme weather events is already running into billions of rand,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF). Roads damaged by stormwater will take months to repair, while several communities continue to experience disruptions to power and water supply.

It is often only in the weeks following a disaster that the true extent and cost of the damage emerge. Engineers assessing damaged roads and infrastructure frequently discover underlying structural failures that must first be addressed, delaying repairs and significantly increasing costs.

Authorities and disaster management agencies have once again demonstrated exceptional commitment in responding to emergencies, clearing fallen trees, reopening roads and restoring essential services. However, recent events raise an important question: how do communities and authorities adapt to a future where severe weather increasingly inflicts substantial damage on both natural and built infrastructure upon which thousands of residents depend?

Reflecting on the aftermath of disasters is critical if lessons are to be learned. Understanding what worked, identifying vulnerabilities and improving preparedness can help build resilience in the face of a changing climate.

GREF and its partners, in collaboration with Nelson Mandela University (NMU), will host the Garden Route Extreme Weather Reflection Summit on 2 July 2026. A panel of experts in climate science, environmental management and disaster management will analyse recent events and collectively explore practical ways forward for the region.

Interested and affected parties wishing to attend the Summit can RSVP to louisamare@gmail.com.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum is a public platform for environmental practitioners and a climate change think tank (www.grefecsf.co.za).

ENDS

11 June 2026 Media Release: Garden Route Municipalities identified more than half a billion in infrastructure and facility damages following severe weather events

Media Release: Garden Route Municipalities identified more than half a billion in infrastructure and facility damages following severe weather events

11 June 2026

Municipalities across the Garden Route district have completed preliminary damage assessments following recent severe weather events. According to Gerhard Otto, GRDM Head: Disaster Management, “the estimated cost of repairs and recovery exceeding half a billion”.

The consolidated assessment, compiled by Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), with information received from affected local identifies widespread damage to critical infrastructure, public facilities, water supply systems, roads, stormwater networks, community facilities and municipal buildings.

According to Otto, “the most significant damages have been recorded in George Municipality, followed by Knysna and Bitou Municipalities”. Several strategic infrastructure projects, including water supply systems, roads, bridges, public facilities and economic development assets, require urgent intervention to restore services and reduce future disaster risks.

The top eight rehabilitation projects for the region include:

124.6 million: George Municipality – Repairs to damaged roadways and associated -stormwater infrastructure in George, Haarlem and Uniondale.
97.3 million: Knysna Municipality – Surfaced Roads, Main Street/N2.
93.6 million: George Municipality – Uniondale Poort – damage to raw water diversion infrastructure and supply to the Uniondale Raw Water Storage Dam.
R70 million: Oudtshoorn Municipality associated with electricity in Hoop and Baron van Reede, Buffelsdrift area, Dysselsdorp, Dokkraal area, Cango Caves, De Kombuys Plaas, Wilgewandle, Groot Kraal, Boomplaas, De Hoek, Matjiesriver, Muller Streer, and Nooitgedagt.
48.8 million: Knysna Municipality – Surfaced roads in Knysna, Sedgefield, Brenton, Rheenendal and Karatara.
46.6 million: Oudtshoorn Municipality associated with street and storm water in an Der Riet Street, Kerk Street/ Church Street, Albert Street, Rademeyer Street, Pedestrian Low Water Bridge at Pick and Pay Shopping Centre / Mall and Cango Bergoord Bridges.
32.7 million: George Municipality sewer pump stations in George, Haarlem, Uniondale, Pacaltsdorp, Hansmoeskraal, and George Industria.
5.7 million: Oudtshoorn Municipality associated water and sanitation infrastructure in Greater Oudtshoorn, Dysselsdorp and KKRWSS.

The damage assessments indicate that thousands of residents have been directly or indirectly affected through disruptions to essential services, transport routes and community facilities. Municipal technical teams continue to conduct detailed assessments to refine cost estimates and prioritise emergency repairs.

GRDM, together with affected local municipalities, is engaging with provincial and national government structures to secure disaster recovery funding and support. The municipalities have also committed resources where possible to address immediate risks and restore critical services.

Garden Route District Municipality Executive Mayor, Ald. Marais Kruger said: “Municipalities have already begun emergency response and repair work, and external funding support will be essential to ensure full recovery and to strengthen infrastructure resilience for the future.”

Priority projects include the rehabilitation of water infrastructure, repairs to municipal buildings and community facilities, restoration of damaged roads and stormwater systems, and measures aimed at reducing the impact of future disasters.

Further updates will be provided as additional assessments are completed and funding processes progress.

Picture caption: An image supplied by George Municipality of damage to one of the roads in Haarlem.

ENDS

Garden Route Weather: Multi-Agency Command Centre Update 3 on 5 June 2026 @ 12:15

Issued by GRDM Communications
05 June 2026

SITUATION SUMMARY

Overnight, the district continued to experience isolated heavy showers. However, our major concern remains the significant volume of water moving into the district from the northern areas. The Gamkapoort Dam is currently spilling at around 170%, while the Floriskraal, Stompdrift and Kammanassie dams are also overflowing. Emergency services and SAPS members are actively monitoring river crossings and implementing crowd-control measures to ensure that potentially compromised structures remain clear of people.

Late yesterday, a woman and a man attempted to cross the Klip River at Waboomskraal and were swept away by the strong current. EMS teams successfully rescued the woman, but unfortunately the man could not be saved. Following an extensive search operation, his body was recovered early this morning.

Rescue teams have also been dispatched to an incident in the Oudtshoorn Mountain Resort area, where it has been reported that a man was washed away while attempting to cross a river. Further information will be shared as it becomes available.

In George, municipal technical services teams are currently working to reconnect the water supply between the Uniondale Dam and the town.

The water situation in Knysna remains a concern and requires close monitoring. The main water supply pumps are still not fully operational, and reserve water levels at the Akkerkloof Dam are dropping to critically low levels.

Community members remain accommodated at several halls across the district. Currently, there are 65 people at Toekomsrus, 38 in De Rust, 29 in Ladismith, and eight families at the Lyonville Community Hall in Uniondale.

Requests for humanitarian assistance have been received from Zoar, where 14 people require support; Voorbaat, with 29 people affected; and the Vlakteplaas, Barandas and Snyberg areas, where approximately 110 people may require assistance. This latter request is still being assessed by the Department of Social Development, although colleagues from the Department of Infrastructure have indicated that the area is accessible by 4×4 vehicles.

Finally, 21 schools remain closed today, primarily because they are inaccessible due to poor road conditions.

We continue to monitor conditions closely and will provide further updates as necessary.

Disaster-related updates are published by Local Government here:

Garden Route District Municipality
– https://www.facebook.com/gardenroutedm

Hessequa Municipality
– www.facebook.com/hessequamunicipality

Mossel Bay Municipality
– www.facebook.com/mosselbaymun
– https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaObfDbBadmjaxmERb0d

George Municipality
– www.facebook.com/george.municipality
– https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaRHVS9HAdNXTJPKis3k

Knysna Municipality
– www.facebook.com/knysnamunicipality
– https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaddGzkKwqSX9z7fPm2V

Bitou Municipality
– www.facebook.com/bitoulocalmunicipality
– https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb5xx5wGE56kaY90693M

Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality
– www.facebook.com/oudtmun
– https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VagZwTjHgZWmFke9An2N

Kannaland Municipality
– www.facebook.com/kannaland.munisipaliteit.5

Report Provincial Road Issues via Download the Roads4U app
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=za.gov.westerncape.roadsforyou
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/za/app/roads4u/id6752285666

Garden Route District Municipality encourages the public to report flood-related incidents to the regional 24/7 Emergency Call Centre on 044 805 5071 or WhatsApp 081 709 5193

Image: Gamka Wes Calitzdorp, 05 June 2026.

Garden Route Weather: Multi-Agency Command Centre Update 2 on 4 June 2026 @ 08h10

Issued by GRDM Communications
04 June 2026

SITUATION SUMMARY

The Garden Route has experienced moderate but persistent rainfall over the past 24 hours, with periods of intense showers reported overnight. While no major weather-related incidents have been reported to the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Emergency Call Centre, several impacts are being experienced across the district. The GRDM Multi-Agency Command Centre (MACC) remains activated, with municipal and emergency services personnel on standby and actively monitoring conditions throughout the district.

Dozens of low-lying bridges and river crossings are currently flooded, making it dangerous for motorists to attempt crossings. As a result, a number of roads remain closed due to flooding, rockfalls, landslides and other weather-related hazards.

COMMUNITIES STILL RECEIVING SHELTER

A total of 93 community members who were precautionarily evacuated from De Rust and Welgeluk remain accommodated at the Toekomsrus Community Hall, where support continues to be provided by the Western Cape Provincial Government Department of Social Development.

MOTORISTS EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION

* Water is pooling in several urban areas, causing some manhole covers to lift due to pressure from stormwater systems.
* Most road closures are due to flooding of low-lying bridges and river crossings.
* Rockfalls have been reported on the N12 near Chandelier Game Lodge, Nature’s Valley, Wittedrift (road closed), and the Kaaimans area.
* Water pooling has also been reported on the N2 between Sedgefield and George, shortly after the Waves Garage.
* Several trees that fell along Saasveld Road have been cleared by George Municipality, but more is expected to fall and this area is extremely dangerous to travel through.

Garden Routers and tourists are advised to avoid flooded roads, low-water crossings and riverbanks, and to remain alert to official weather and safety updates published by the GRDM and Local Municipalities.

River levels remain under close observation. Water levels in the Keurbooms, Knysna, Great Brak, Kandelaars and Olifants river systems have increased significantly, while higher inflows from the Gamka Dam and increased releases from Stompdrift Dam are also being monitored. Emergency services are conducting regular assessments of communities and low-lying areas adjacent to these river systems. The Garden Route Dam is overflowing, the first time this year.

Localised flooding has been reported in Nature’s Valley, while emergency teams continue to monitor vulnerable areas throughout the district.

Roads authorities will continue to assess the road network and provide updates as conditions change.

SCHOOLS REMAIN CLOSED FOR TODAY, 4 JUNE