Disaster Management

15 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

15 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