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

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

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

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

Garden Route Weather Update: Multi Agency Command Centre Update 1 on 3 June 2026 @ 11h30

Garden Route Weather Update: Multi Agency Command Centre Update 1 on 3 June 2026 @ 11h30

Issued by GRDM Communications
03 June 2026

SITUATION SUMMARY

The Garden Route has experienced light to moderate consistent rainfall. At this stage, local municipal stormwater systems are mostly coping and no major life-threatening weather-related incidents have been reported.

We are, however, closely monitoring low-lying areas across the district. In the Oudtshoorn municipal area, for instance, some residents from Welgeluk and De Rust were evacuated as a precautionary measure due to rising river levels. Monitoring of these areas remains ongoing.

The South African Weather Service has reported that certain mountainous areas have already received more than 60 mm of rainfall between last night and the early hours of this morning. Additional rainfall is expected, and we will continue to work proactively with local municipalities to address any issues that may arise.

We are also aware of electricity outages affecting some areas. These incidents are being assessed and will be attended to by Eskom and/or the relevant local municipalities as conditions allow.

Schools within the Garden Route region remain closed until 4 June 2026.

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

Picture caption: A low-lying area in Nature’s Valley (Bitou Municipal Area) showing how the water has risen since last night.

18 May 2026 Media Release: Understanding the Drivers Behind Recent Extreme Weather in the Southern Cape

Media Release: Understanding the Drivers Behind Recent Extreme Weather in the Southern Cape

For immediate release
18 May 2026

Recent extreme weather events in the Southern Cape have raised serious concern among residents, infrastructure managers, and environmental practitioners.

GREF Convener, Cobus Meiring, requested Knysna-based climate systems expert, Peter du Toit, from FutureClimateIQ to shed some light on why the Southern Cape increasingly experience such extreme weather events.

“The region’s recent experience of intense rainfall, flooding, and an unprecedented period of gale force winds is consistent with evolving atmospheric and oceanic conditions affecting southern Africa”, says Du Toit.

Du Toit explains that the Southern Cape sits at the intersection of several dynamic weather systems. The region is influenced by mid-latitude frontal systems moving in from the South Atlantic, as well as moisture-laden air masses driven by warmer ocean temperatures. When these systems interact under unstable atmospheric conditions, they can generate highly concentrated storm events with strong wind fields and intense precipitation over short periods.

One of the key contributing factors highlighted is the increasing variability in large-scale climate drivers such as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation. These oscillations influence rainfall distribution and storm tracks across southern Africa, often intensifying weather extremes when atmospheric conditions align unfavourably.

The recent gale force wind event, described by local authorities as unprecedented in its sustained intensity and spatial reach, is linked to a deep low-pressure system that intensified rapidly offshore before making landfall along the Southern Cape coastline. This created a strong pressure gradient, resulting in damaging wind speeds across exposed coastal and inland areas.

Du Toit further notes that while these large-scale climate systems are natural, their behaviour is being modified by a warming global climate. Warmer sea surface temperatures increase atmospheric moisture and energy availability, which can enhance storm development and severity.

However, he cautions that climate drivers alone do not fully explain the scale of impacts experienced on the ground. Local factors such as land-use change, degraded catchments, and invasive alien vegetation significantly amplify run-off, windthrow, and infrastructure vulnerability during extreme events.

The combination of these global and local influences is making the Southern Cape increasingly susceptible to high-impact weather events, requiring improved understanding, preparedness, and long-term resilience planning.

Feature Image: Peter du Toit, from FutureClimateIQ –Photo Supplied

Written by: Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF)

The GREF is a public platform for environmental practitioners and a climate change think tank (grefecsf.co.za).

ENDS

18 May 2026 Public Awareness: Food safety during power outages

Public Awareness: Food safety during power outages

18 May 2026

During the recent storms experienced across the Western Cape, many areas in the Garden Route district were and are still left without electricity for hours and even days. This type of disaster may lead to great food safety risk that a lot of citizens and holiday-goers, are not aware of.  During this time, food can spoil quickly if it is not stored or handled properly. Knowing what to do can help protect everyone from foodborne illnesses.

Below find several simple, but important food safety tips.

How to keep your food colder for longer

  • One of the most important things to remember during a power outage is to keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed for as long much as possible. Although there is no electricity used while keeping the doors closed, the refrigerator maintains the temperature for an extended time and therefore delays the spoilage of perishable food.
  • If the outage in an area continues, consider using a cooler box with ice packs for foods that must remain cold, such as milk, meat, eggs and leftovers.

What are considered high risk foods: Food that spoils quickly?

Raw meat, chicken, seafood, dairy products and cooked leftovers are high-risk foods and should be checked carefully after an outage.

Shelf-stable foods such as tinned goods, unopened juices, peanut butter and dry cereals are generally safer during long power cuts.

Remember these important rules: if food smells strange, looks unusual, or feels warm when it should be cold, throw it away and thawed food cannot be refrozen.

What are safe temperatures?

Food safety depends heavily on temperature. If perishable food has been above safe temperatures for more than two hours, it is safest to discard it.

How to maintain hygiene during storms

  • Storms can sometimes affect water supplies. It is best to use safe water or boil the water before use.
  • Wash your hands with soap and clean water before handling food. If clean and safe water is limited, use hand sanitiser containing at least 60 percent alcohol.
  • Also make sure kitchen surfaces, utensils and containers are kept clean to prevent contamination or cross-contamination.

How can you prepare for emergencies?

Preparation can make a major difference during emergencies. Keep an emergency supply kit with:

  • Ice packs
  • A food thermometer
  • Bottled water
  • A torch
  • A manual can opener
  • Non-perishable foods

Being prepared helps reduce stress and keeps your household safer during extended outages.

For more information or to report unhygienic practices by food handlers, contact the following GRDM offices within the Garden Route:

Johan Compion
Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management and Air Quality
E-mail: info@gardenroute.gov.za
044 803 1300 / 082 803 516

Klein Karoo & Kannaland
Desmond Paulse – Manager: Municipal Health (Klein Karoo)
94 St John Street, Oudtshoorn
044 272 2241 / 083 678 6530

Mossel Bay
Rinay Cloete – Acting Chief: Municipal Health
C/O Sampson & Marling Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay
044 693 0006 /  083 530 3709

George Outeniqua
Emmy Douglas – Chief: Municipal Health
Mission Street, Industrial Area, George, 6530
044 803 1501 /  078 457 2824

George & Wilderness
Lusizo Kwetshube – Acting Chief: Municipal Health
Mission Street, Industrial Area, George, 6530
044 803 1599 / 081 555 6992

Knysna
James McCarthy – Chief: Knysna
26A Queen Street, Knysna, 6571
044 382 7214 /  082 805 9417

Bitou
Gawie Vos – Chief: Lakes (Bitou)
4 Virginia street, Plettenberg bay, 6600
044 501 1600 / 083 557 1522

Hessequa
Haemish Herwels – Chief: Hessequa
24 Michell Street, Riversdale, 6670
028 713 2438 / 083 678 6545

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:

Only follow
Follow municipal Facebook Pages and WhatsApp Channels for updates in town areas:

Report Provincial Road Issues via Download the Roads4U app
Google Play
iOS

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 Update 16 on 11 May 2026 at 18h00

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 Update 15 on 11 May 2026 at 11h45

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 Update 14 on 11 May 2026 at 09h45

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:

Only follow
Follow municipal Facebook Pages and WhatsApp Channels for updates in town areas:

Report Provincial Road Issues via Download the Roads4U app
Google Play
iOS

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 Update 13 on 10 May 2026 at 18h30

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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Follow municipal Facebook Pages and WhatsApp Channels for updates in town areas:

Report Provincial Road Issues via Download the Roads4U app
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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