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Floods

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.

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

Trunk Roads

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

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

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

TRUNK ROADS

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

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

Only follow
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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

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

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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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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 2 on 6 May 2026 at 13h00

Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Alert 2 on 6 May 2026 at 13h00

Issued by Garden Route District Municipality

CURRENT ROADS CLOSED

The following roads are currently closed until further notice (issued by WC Gov):

MR369 – Swartberg Pass
TR33/4 – Meiringspoort
MR401 – Queen Street between Uniondale and Avontuur
TR44/1 (R62) – Between Avontuur and the Eastern Cape boundary
MR355 – Karatara Pass between George and Knysna
MR390 – Wittedrift
TR2/12 – Grootrivier Pass (Nature’s Valley)

GENERAL FEEDBACK

The Head of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Disaster Management Centre, Gerhard Otto has confirmed that the Eastern parts of the region, including Plettenberg Bay and Knysna are among the areas hardest hit by the severe weather. In Knysna, 197mm rain has been recorded and an excess of 200mm rain in the Bitou municipal area. “At this point, some roads are flooded, while others are extremely slippery and inaccessible,” Otto added.

“We commend the Western Cape Provincial Government Department of Education for closing schools during this time because this has reduced the number of vehicles on roads and kept children safe,” said Otto.

KNYSNA FATALITY

Persistent rainfall, combined with strong winds, have caused dozens of trees to uproot. The public is urged to remain extremely cautious during this period. According to Gerhard Otto: “A woman from Knysna tragically lost her life this morning after a tree uprooted and fell onto her vehicle while she was parked underneath it”.

PLETTENBERG BAY RIVER BANK BURST

In Plettenberg Bay, the Piesang Valley River burst its banks, resulting in flooding near the lower parking areas adjacent to the Beacon Isle Hotel. Flooded is seen from sea-and river sides, subsiding. Residents living along the river have since been evacuated as a precaution and are being accommodated at nearby community halls. In the Haarlem area, a community hall was also opened to accommodate residents impacted by floods.

Eighty (80) people in the Wittedrift area were also evacuated to the Wittedrift Community Hall.

MUNICIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Authorities have also reported damage to critical infrastructure, including sewer pump stations, sections of the water supply network and in some locations power was switched off as a safety measure. Engineering teams are currently assessing the damage and working to restore affected services as quickly as possible.

WEATHER FORECAST

Wind gusts between 50 and 60 km/h are expected to continue throughout the day and night, increasing the likelihood of falling trees and debris. Motorists are strongly advised to avoid unnecessary travel, as several roads across the district have become flooded, slippery or inaccessible.

Rainfall is expected to persist for the remainder of today into the early hours of tomorrow, 7 May, with an additional 30 to 50 mm forecast over the eastern parts of the Garden Route region. “We will only see some relief by tomorrow,” said Otto.

Residents are urged to monitor official municipal communication channels and to prioritise safety at all times.

SAFETY MEASURES (ABC’S)

A. Be careful of parking under large trees and traveling in general. Saturated ground may cause trees or branches to fall unexpectedly, posing a risk to vehicles and pedestrians. Only travel when necessary and remain alert on the roads.

B. Avoid low-lying bridges, drifts and flooded river crossings. Fast-flowing water can rise rapidly and may sweep away vehicles or pedestrians. Never attempt to cross a flooded bridge or roadway.

C. Multiple areas are currently experiencing unplanned power interruptions. Residents are urged to remain cautious around electrical infrastructure and to treat all power lines as live.

D. Motorists are advised to exercise caution on the N2 between Klein Brak River and Great Brak River due to sand and debris on the roadway. Reduced speeds are advised. Relevant teams from SANRAL and Mossel Bay Municipality are attending to the area.

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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

Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Update 1 on 6 May 2026 at 08h45

Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Update 1 on 6 May 2026 at 08h45

Issued by Garden Route District Municipality

Local Municipalities remain the first responders to incidents within their respective areas, while the Garden Route District Municipality continues to provide support, coordination and additional resources where required through its Disaster Management Centre.

CROSS-BOUNDARY IMPACTS

  • The Garden Route district is cut off from the Central Karoo District because Meiringspoort and Swartberg Passes have been closed until further notice.

SAFETY ADVISORIES (ABC’s)

  • A. Be careful of parking under large trees and traveling in general. Saturated ground may cause trees or branches to fall unexpectedly, posing a risk to vehicles and pedestrians. Only travel when necessary and remain alert on the roads.
  • B. Avoid low-lying bridges, drifts and flooded river crossings. Fast-flowing water can rise rapidly and may sweep away vehicles or pedestrians. Never attempt to cross a flooded bridge or roadway.
  • C. Multiple areas are currently experiencing unplanned power interruptions. Residents are urged to remain cautious around electrical infrastructure and to treat all power lines as live.
  • D. Motorists are advised to exercise caution on the N2 between Klein Brak River and Great Brak River due to sand and debris on the roadway. Reduced speeds are advised. Relevant teams from SANRAL and Mossel Bay Municipality are attending to the area.

DISTRICT COORDINATED ACTIONS

  • District Roads are coordinated by GRDM and those that are open and closed will be published during the course of the incident.

WEATHER INTELLIGENCE

Majority of the rain measured is at the Eastern part of the region.

  • Near George Airport: 53,6mm
  • Witfontein: 76,8 mm
  • George Tierkpop: 61,0 mm
  • George Jonkershoek: 88,8 mm
  • George Waboomskraal: 117,6 mm
  • Rheebok-Sandhoogte: 40,4 mm
  • Wilderness Dieprivier: 73,6 mm
  • Wilderness heights: 60,8 mm
  • Herold Lovain ARS: 78,4 mm
  • Knysna Charlesford: 122,4 mm
  • Knysna Kleingrysbos: 120,2 mm
  • Knysna Diepwalle: 105,8 mm
  • Plett: 92,6 mm
  • Plett Newlands: 113,2 mm
  • Stormsrivier Witteklip: 82,0 mm
  • Stormsrivier Forest Fern: 114,2 mm
  • Knysna Kruisfontein: 99,8 mm
  • Mosselbaai: 20,6 mm
  • Mosselbaai Robinson Pass: 76,0 mm
  • Witsand Westfield: 8,2 mm
  • Riversdal: 20,0 mm
  • Riversdal Grootbos: 19,8 mm
  • Riversdal Assegaaibosh: 15,2 mm
  • Stilbaai: 13,6 mm
  • Heidelberg Kruisrivier: 14,6 mm
  • Ladismith: 17,6 mm
  • Oudtshoorn: 32,2 mm
  • De Rust Std: 61,6 mm
    Kammanasieberg Vinkrivier: 82,6 mm
  • Avontuur Bellevue: 83,0 mm
  • Avontuur Boskloof: 101,8 mm
  • Uniondale De Hoop: 136,2 mm

ACTIVATION OF DISASTER STRUCTURES

Two Swift Water Rescue Teams from Cape Town SAPS are stationed in Oudtshoorn and Knysna (16 people in total)

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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

Floods in the Garden Route

23 June 2025 Media Release: Another intense cold front is expected to hit the Namakwa District of the Northern Cape and the Western Cape from Wednesday to Friday, 25 to 27 June 2025

Media Release: Another intense cold front is expected to hit the Namakwa District of the Northern Cape and the Western Cape from Wednesday to Friday, 25 to 27 June 2025

For immediate release
23 June 2025

An intense cold front is expected to make landfall on Wednesday, 25 June 2025, over the south-western parts of South Africa, bringing a significant shift in weather conditions across the region. The system is expected to result in the following impacts:

For the public:

  • Heavy rainfall with a risk of localised flooding over the western parts of the Western Cape, especially in low-lying and poorly drained areas on Wednesday into Thursday (25-26 June 2025).
    Wet and slippery roads may result in dangerous driving conditions. Motorists should exercise caution and adhere to safety measures.
  • Strong and gusty winds over the interior may cause localised damage to structures and uproot trees.
  • Cold to very cold conditions can be expected, along with possible snowfall over the western mountain ranges of the Western Cape, spreading into the south-western interior of the Northern Cape.

For Maritime:

  • Gale force winds and very rough seas, with wave heights between 5,5 to 7,5 metres, along the coastlines of the Northern Cape and Western Cape, will lead to disruptions to fishing and port operations, an increased risk of vessels capsizing, accidents at sea, and hazardous shoreline conditions. Coastal residents and beachgoers are urged to exercise caution.
  • As the system progresses eastwards, it will affect the Eastern Cape, a region already vulnerable to weather-related impacts. The key concern is the strong damaging winds expected across most parts of the province on Thursday, 26 June 2025.
  • Interior winds are expected to pick up and spread over the remainder of eastern provinces on Thursday and Friday, 26 and 27 June 2025, with daytime temperatures dropping to the cold category.

The South African Weather Service will continue to monitor any further developments relating to the weather systems and will issue subsequent updates as required. Furthermore, intermediate updates may be followed on X (@SAWeatherServic), Facebook (South African Weather Service) or other SAWS-supported social media platforms.

Compiled by: Tokelo Chiloane, Henning Grobler and Wayne Venter
Edited by: Jacqueline Modika
Approved by: Mr Rudzani Malala
For technical and weather enquiries:
National Forecasting Centre: Tel: 012 367 6041

Media enquiries: Mr Oupa Segalwe, Senior Manager: Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Cell: 0722643273; e-mail oupa.segalwe@weathersa.co.za /or
Ms Hannelee Doubell: Manager, Communications
Tel: (012) 367 6104; Cell: 072 222 6305; e-mail: hannelee.doubell@weathersa.co.za
USSD: Dial *120*7297#