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Floods

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

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 Update 11 on 9 May 2026 at 09h00

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 (Β±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:
www.facebook.com/gardenroutedm

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

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 β€” Murraysburg to Graaff-Reinet (road flooded but passable)
TR34/2 β€” Prince Albert to Klaarstroom
TR31/5 β€” Huisrivierpas (rockfall cleared)
TR1/2 β€” Noll to Harold (debris removed)

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

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

Bo-Langkloof
Open Roads:
DR1640 β€” Harold (trees removed)

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

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

Oudtshoorn West
Open Roads:

DR1671 β€” Highgate (Olifants River flooding nearby)
DR1688 β€” Old Concrete Road (debris removed)

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

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

Ladismith
Closed Roads:
MR309 β€” Seweweekspoort (road and low-level structures flooded)

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

Knysna / Plettenberg Bay
Open Roads:

MR351 β€” Barrington (trees on road)
MR394 β€” Keurboomstrand (trees over road)

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

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

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

Closed Roads:
DR1625 β€” Die Vleie Oos (river overtopping)
DR1615 β€” Swart Rivier (flooding)

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

Albertinia
Closed Roads:
MR337 β€” Albertinia (river overtopping)
Heidelberg
Closed Roads:
DR1266 β€” Gwarrievallei (river in flood)

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 9 on 8 May 2026 at 10h00

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.

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 8 on 7 May 2026 at 19h00

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 β€” one lane open
George / Knysna Area
MR390 – Kruisvallei (km 0–1.44) β€” open
MR355 – Seven Passes Road β€” open after tree removal
MR351 – Barrington β€” open
MR394 – Keurboomstrand β€” open

Trunk Roads

TR34/2 – Prince Albert to Klaarstroom β€” open
TR31/5 – Huisrivier Pass β€” 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.

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 7 on 7 May 2026 at 10h00

Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Update 7 on 7 May 2026 at 10h00

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 β€” one lane open
George / Knysna Area
MR390 – Kruisvallei (km 0–1.44) β€” open
MR355 – Seven Passes Road β€” open after tree removal
MR351 – Barrington β€” open
MR394 – Keurboomstrand β€” open

TRUNK ROADS

TR34/2 – Prince Albert to Klaarstroom β€” open
TR31/5 – Huisrivier Pass β€” 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.

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 6 on 7 May 2026 at 10h00

Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Alert 6 on 7 May 2026 at 10h00

Issued by Garden Route District Municipality

Below find the total rainfall figures recorded since 4 May 2026.

Near the George Airport: 150,3 mm
Witfontein: 219,2 mm
George Tierkpop: 190,8 mm
George Jonkershoek: 107,6 mm
George Waboomskraal: 128,8 mm
Rheebok-Sandhoogte: 43,2 mm
Wilderness Dieprivier: 166,2 mm
Wilderness heights: 73,4 mm
Herold Lovain: 82,8 mm
Knysna Charlesford: 122,4 mm
Knysna Kleingrysbos: 286,8 mm
Knysna Diepwalle: 285,6 mm
Plett: 159,4 mm
Plett Newlands: 276,8 mm
Stormsrivier Witteklip: 222,8 mm
Stormsrivier Forest Fern: 239,2 mm
Knysna Kruisfontein: 103,2 mm
Mosselbaai: 87,2 mm
Mosselbaai Kwepertuin: 1,6 mm
Mosselbaai Robinson Pas: 179,6 mm
Witsand Westfield: 17,6 mm
Riversdal: 28,6 mm
Riversdal Grootbos: 49,6 mm
Riversdal Assegaaibosh: 49,4 mm
Stilbaai: 18,8 mm
Suurbraak Lismore: 42,8 mm
Heidelberg Kruisrivier: 24,2 mm
Ladismith: 50,2 mm
Oudtshoorn: 79,2 mm
De Rust Std: 123,9 mm
Joubertina: 301,2 mm
Kammanasieberg Vinkrivier: 84,2 mm
Avontuur Bellevue: 85,0 mm
Avontuur Boskloof: 105,2 mm
Uniondale De Hoop: 138,0 mm

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
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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 Update 5 on 7 May 2026 at 08h30

Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Alert 5 on 7 May 2026 at 08h30

Issued by Garden Route District Municipality

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

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

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

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

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

AREAS CUT-OFF

The SANDF, together with the Oudtshoorn Fire Department and SAPS divers, are making every effort to evacuate residents from Bergoord safely. EMS Metro and a Medical Rescue Helicopter are being deployed to assess areas and possibly deliver food parcels to areas where access is cut off.

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

Kannaland Municipal Area
– Paardebont (close to Van Wyksdorp)

George Municipal Area
– Mount Hope (past Zebra)

Bitou Municipal Area
– SNK & Fisantehoek

SHELTER PROVIDED

Relief and shelter efforts are continuing across the district with around 450 people who remain affected by severe weather conditions. Water levels are expected to subside, with most runoff anticipated later this afternoon.

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

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

Oudtshoorn Municipal Area
– Toekomsrus, Welgeluk, GG Kamp, Black Joint: 54
– De Rust: 25

ROADS CLOSED

The following roads are listed in the Western Cape Government Road Closure Update for the Garden Route District (7 May 2026, 06:00):

TR2/12 – Grootrivier Pass (Nature’s Valley area)
TR75/2 – Oudtshoorn to Cango Caves (Oudtshoorn area)
TR33/4 – Meiringspoort (Oudtshoorn area)
DR1707 – Middelplaas (Oudtshoorn area)
MR369 – Swartberg Pass (Oudtshoorn area)
DR1709 – Groenfontein (Calitzdorp area)
MR401 – Huisrivier Pass (Calitzdorp area) *Open*
MR309 – Seweweekspoort (Ladismith area)
MR390 – Kruisvallei (Knysna/Plettenberg Bay area)
MR355 – Seven Passes (Knysna/Plettenberg Bay area)
DR1615 – Swart River (Knysna/Plettenberg Bay area)
MR346 – Buffels Bay (Knysna/Plettenberg Bay area)
MR359 – Barrington (Knysna/Plettenberg Bay area)
MR394 – Keurboomstrand (Knysna/Plettenberg Bay area)
TR44/1 – R62 Avontuur to Eastern Cape boundary (Langkloof area)
DR1645 – Waboomskraal (Langkloof area)
DR1640 – Montagu Pass (Langkloof area)
DR1602 – Kleinplaas (George area)
DR1633 – Jonkersberg (George area)
MR401 – Uniondale Poort and town (Uniondale area)
MR399 – Avontuur (Uniondale area)
TR01/2 – Herold to Noll (Langkloof area)
DR1604 – Haelkraal (Mossel Bay area)
DR1587 – Donaldshoogte/Botlierskop (Mossel Bay area)

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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 Update 4 on 6 May 2026 at 17h30

Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Update 4 on 6 May 2026 at 17h30

Issued by Garden Route District Municipality

Relief and shelter efforts are continuing across the district as several communities remain affected by severe weather conditions.
Water levels are expected to subside, with most runoff anticipated by tomorrow afternoon.

Mass care facilities opened to shelter affected people:

In Oudtshoorn, 21 people are currently being accommodated at the Toekomsrust Community Hall, where food and blankets have been provided.

BITOU (KRANSHOEK, WITTEDRIFT AND PIESANG VALLEY)

The worst affected area remains the Bitou Municipality:

Approximately 58 people are being sheltered at the Kranshoek Griqua Church, where hot meals, mattresses, and blankets have been provided.
Nearly 80 people are being accommodated at the Wittedrift Community Hall.
Piesang Valley Hall has also been opened as a precautionary measure, as the Keurbooms River is expected to rise around 18h00, which may soon make parts of the area inaccessible by foot.

GEORGE (HAARLEM & UNIONDALE)

The Haarlem area is currently cut off, as both main access routes are flooded, including the road between Uniondale and Haarlem, as well as the route via Die Poort.

At present, the only accessible route is from the Eastern Cape side.

EMS Metro teams are currently exploring options to coordinate support from Eastern Cape EMS teams to assist with operations in the isolated area.

The N9 between Herold and Uniondale is currently experiencing flooding due to rising water levels, resulting in restricted access. This may lead to George being temporarily cut off if conditions persist.

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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 Update 3 on 6 May 2026 at 15h10

Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Alert 3 on 6 May 2026 at 15h10

Issued by Garden Route District Municipality

Rainfall figures recorded from 08h00 till 15h00:

Near George Airport: 26,6mm
Witfontein: 44,0mm
George Tierkpop: 27,6mm
George Jonkershoek: 48,8mm
George Waboomskraal: 66,2mm
Rheebok-Sandhoogte: 34,8mm
Wilderness Dieprivier: 32,4mm
Wilderness heights: 20,8mm
Herold Lovain: 34,2mm
Knysna Kleingrysbos: 41,0mm
Knysna Diepwalle: 61,4mm
Plett: 14,6mm
Plett Newlands: 52,0mm
Stormsrivier Witteklip: 36,4mm
Stormsrivier Forest Fern: 36,6mm
Knysna Kruisfontein: 21,8mm
Mosselbaai: 33,8mm
Mosselbaai Robinson Pas: 64,6mm
Witsand Westfield: 1,4mm
Riversdal: 5,2mm
Riversdal Grootbos: 18,6mm
Riversdal Assegaaibosh: 11,4mm
Stilbaai: 0,6mm
Suurbraak Lismore: 12,6mm
Heidelberg Kruisrivier: 2,8mm
Ladismith: 21,0mm
Oudtshoorn: 18,2mm
Joubertina: 30,4mm
Kammanasieberg Vinkrivier: 46,8mm
Avontuur Boskloof: 85,2mm
Uniondale De hoop: 86,4mm

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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