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Disaster Management

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.

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 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

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 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.

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 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)

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

30 March 2026 Media Release: Garden Route Mountains Key to SA’s Water Future

Media Release: Garden Route Mountains Key to SA’s Water Future

30 March 2026

During a recent workshop hosted by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), South Africa has once again highlighted the importance of the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma Mountains as critical water-producing landscapes for the Southern Cape.

These mountain catchments form part of South Africa’s Strategic Water Source Areas (SWAs) often called the country’s “natural water factories”. Although these areas cover less than 10% of the country’s land surface, they generate around half of the water that ends up in rivers and dams.

“For farmers, the message is clear: without healthy mountain catchments, there is no long-term water security,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

According to GREF, almost every catchment in the Garden Route is negatively impacted by invasive alien plants. These invasives reduce streamflow, damage soil health and weaken the ability of rivers to recover after drought.

The situation is made more challenging because of geography. Most coastal catchments in the Garden Route are short and flow quickly from the mountains to the Indian Ocean. This means there are very few opportunities to build large dams, making the protection of natural catchments even more important for agriculture.

South Africa is already a water-scarce country, and climate change is expected to bring hotter and drier conditions to many farming regions. However, the country still has a major advantage: a well-defined network of SWSAs that, if protected, can secure water supply for the future.

Over decades, South African engineers built world-class dams and inter-basin transfer schemes. But infrastructure alone cannot solve the problem. Without healthy mountain ecosystems, the system simply cannot function optimally.

The focus now is on cooperation between farmers, municipalities, conservation organisations and landowners to protect these vital catchments before further damage is done.

For the Garden Route and the wider agricultural sector, the message from the workshop was simple: protecting water source areas is not only an environmental priority – it is an economic one.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for environmental managers and a climate change think- tank – www.grefecf.co.za  

Picture Caption: A view of the Outeniqua Mountains (Photo: Herman Pieters)

ENDS

25 March 2026 Media Release: Garden Route land restoration

Media Release: Garden Route land restoration

25 March 2026

An enormous number of farms along the Garden Route drylands have over time become barren due to drought, over grazing, climate change and historical negative land use practices.

Persistent drought is forcing farmers off the land as it is no longer feasible to farm in dry areas. Degraded soils and large scale sheet erosion have had a massive impacts on the carrying capacity and water security on farms in the Klein-and Groot Karoo over past decades, and it is on the increase.

On a positive note, many farmers are using tried and tested methods of land restoration to great effect. “One of the most effective ways to bring back life to barren soil is through a practice named ponding”, says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

Shallow ponds scattered throughout barren zones where no grass nor plants can take root, forms very effective water and soil retention traps. Multiple ponds allows plant recovery and surface water to soak into the earth and replenish the water table below. In the rain shadow of the Outeniqua and Swartberg Mountains, land restoration is a painfully slow process, but eventually it does yield positive results from a resilient environment and nature bounces back spectacularly.

Thunderstorms and floods over the Garden Route and Karoo interior presents much relief to farmers and towns alike. Still, episodic rains inflict much harm to the land where degraded surface areas cannot retain top soil and run-off water, leaving behind ever more erosion and further degradation. Through interventions such as ponding these rainfall events can make a huge difference in land restoration and water security.

As the changing climate brings about uncertainty in terms of rainfall and rainfall patterns, it is more important than ever that land managers adapt and allow land recovery initiatives to their own benefit and in the process create a high quality environment.

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

Picture: Ponding on barren landscapes is a simple but very effective method to allow barren land to recover and replenish water tables.

ENDS

16 March 2026 Media Release: Greening Townships Key to Surviving Rising Heat

Media Release: Greening Townships Key to Surviving Rising Heat

For immediate release
16 March 2026

“Given the rising temperatures across the region, serious consideration should be given to greening townships, schools and crèches where people have little protection from the blazing sun,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

“Shade provided by trees can bring much-needed relief, and greening projects should become a budgeted priority for municipalities as part of long-term climate change adaptation and planning.” In many communities there is little escape from extreme heat, particularly for children and the elderly, making urban greening an important public health intervention.

Heatwaves and extremely hot, dry conditions are currently affecting communities across the Garden Route interior. From Uniondale to Ladismith in Kannaland, drought conditions persist and residents are increasingly feeling the pressure of limited water supplies.

According to residents in De Rust, the town’s water supply is presently not suitable for drinking, highlighting the vulnerability of smaller towns during prolonged dry periods. While the Garden Route interior is accustomed to hot summers, many residents say this season has been particularly severe, with sustained high temperatures and little rainfall.

Weather forecasts indicate there is little prospect of substantial rainfall before April, and possibly even later. In recent weeks parts of the Western Cape have recorded temperatures approaching 50°C, reinforcing concerns that predicted climate change impacts and shifting rainfall patterns are becoming a reality.

Water shortages remain a grave concern not only for households but also for agriculture and the broader regional economy. Farming communities depend heavily on seasonal rainfall, and prolonged drought threatens both livelihoods and food production.

A high quality of life is not feasible without reliable potable water supplies. While communities wait for seasonal change, residents are urged to heed water-use restrictions and to use water responsibly wherever possible. Long-term climate adaptation measures will become increasingly important as temperatures rise and water scarcity becomes more common.

GREF is a public platform for environmental managers and a climate change think- tank (www.grefecsf.co.za)

ENDS

02 March 2026 Media Release: GREF Comments on South Africa’s Draft National Invasive Species Strategy and Action Plan (2026-2036)

GREF Comments on South Africa’s Draft National Invasive Species Strategy and Action Plan (2026-2036)

For immediate release
02 March 2026

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) welcomes the development of South Africa’s Draft National Invasive Species Strategy and Action Plan (2026-2036), facilitated by the South African Local Government Association (SALGA). Municipalities and stakeholders nationwide have contributed to the draft, underscoring the growing urgency of addressing invasive alien species.

South Africa faces a serious and escalating problem with invasive alien plants (IAPs), particularly along river systems, mountain catchments and biodiversity hotspots. While a national strategy is necessary, it is not new. Comprehensive policies already exist under legislation such as the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA). “South Africa has strong environmental legislation, but implementation and sustained funding remain the real challenges,” says Cobus Meiring of GREF. “Without consistent action across all spheres of government, invasive species will continue to spread faster than we can contain them.”

The Garden Route is one of the regions most affected by IAPs, with infestations expanding steadily. Invasive species are transforming natural landscapes, reducing biodiversity and placing immense pressure on already vulnerable ecosystems. The financial burden of clearing operations including capital equipment, labour and follow-up treatments continues to rise, impacting municipalities, conservation agencies and private landowners alike.

The implications are far-reaching. Invasive alien plants reduce water runoff in critical catchments, directly threatening water security in the drought-prone Southern Cape. Dense infestations also increase fuel loads, contributing to more intense and destructive veld fires. Recent severe wildfire seasons have prompted stronger compliance among landowners, many of whom have demonstrated commendable commitment to clearing their properties in accordance with environmental legislation.

Climate change further intensifies the challenge. Rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns favour invasive species, compounding stress on indigenous habitats and ecosystems.

A concerning decline in national funding for eradication programmes means municipalities and landowners are increasingly required to rely on their own limited resources. GREF supports a strengthened, properly funded and measurable national action plan focused on catchment-level priorities to safeguard biodiversity, water security and regional resilience.

GREF is a public platform for environmental managers and landowners and serves a climate change think tank (grefecsf.co.za)

Picture: Lantana Camara: an aggressive alien invasive plant in the Garden Route

17 February 2026 Media Release: Garden Route Trails Remain Open – Riders Urged to Stay Vigilant Amid FMD Concerns

Media Release: Garden Route Trails Remain Open – Riders Urged to Stay Vigilant Amid FMD Concerns

17 February 2026

The Garden Route continues to offer some of South Africa’s most scenic and well-managed trail experiences, attracting mountain bikers, trail runners and outdoor enthusiasts from across the country. While KwaZulu-Natal is currently at the centre of a widespread Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak, FMD outbreak has been reported in the Garden Route in Mossel Bay, with a suspect case in George. Control measures include quarantine, vaccination, movement restrictions of animals from the quarantined area to outside areas, and enhanced surveillance.

The Garden Route is home to arguably the most extensive network of high-quality trails in South Africa. With the Mossel Bay municipal area currently affected by FMD, recreational users must understand that individuals can unintentionally act as mechanical carriers of the virus through contaminated mud, soil or organic material on footwear, bicycles and vehicles.

Trail users are urged to avoid entering private farmland without permission and respect any biosecurity access restrictions.

Cyclists need to understand that mud and soil can cling to bike tyres, pedals, shoes and clothing. Therefore, thoroughly cleaning equipment before and after rides particularly if you have travelled from other provinces, is essential.

Minimise Vehicle Contamination

Vehicles travelling through muddy or agricultural areas can carry soil on tyres and undercarriages. Cleaning vehicles before entering rural areas helps reduce risk.

Respect Temporary Closures

Precautionary closures or biosecurity measures must be strictly observed. Such measures protect livestock, farmers’ livelihoods and the broader agricultural economy.

By respecting the land and the people who steward it, we safeguard not only livestock and livelihoods, but also the long-term sustainability of the Garden Route’s cherished trail networks.

For updates on livestock health matters, residents and recreational users are encouraged to access resources here:
https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/document-category/foot-and-mouth-disease/
https://www.elsenburg.com/foot-and-mouth-disease-fmd-outbreak-information/

Ends

 

12 February 2026 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality  Rolls Out Annual First Aid Level 3 Training Programme

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality  Rolls Out Annual First Aid Level 3 Training Programme

12 February 2026

Annually, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Disaster Management Section delivers a series of First Aid Level 3 training sessions to community member and organisation across the district.

The First Aid Level 3 programme forms part of GRDM Disaster Management’s annual awareness initiative, designed at capacitating both employed and unemployed Garden Routers with life-saving skills. It also empowers individuals, especially in disaster-prone areas such as the GRDM, to remain calm under pressure and respond confidently to medical, injury, or environmental emergencies.

The upcoming First Aid Level 3 Training sessions  for 2026 are tentatively scheduled for:

  • 23 – 27 February 2026
  • 16 – 20 March 2026
  • 20 – 24 April 2026
  • 18 – 22 May 2026
  • 22 – 26 June 2026

Since 2008, the municipality has trained more than 2,000 community members, significantly strengthening local emergency preparedness.

Each training session runs over the course of a week and normally take place once per month.  Sessions are facilitated by experienced GRDM Disaster Management officials at the municipality’s Head Office in George.  On the final day of each session, participants complete a practical examination and are assessed as competent, demonstrating their ability to confidently apply the skills learned.

During the comprehensive training, participants cover both theoretical and practical aspects of first aid, including:

  • Basic principles of First Aid
  • Safety and lawful aspects
  • Patient assessment
  • Basic life support
  • Airway management
  • Treatment of shock
  • Dressing and bandages
  • Injury emergencies
  • Medical emergencies
  • Environmental emergencies
  • Emergency childbirth

The Garden Route District Municipality encourages community members to participate in these vital training sessions to enhance their ability to save lives during emergencies.

Did you know?

  • There is no cost if you complete the training and sign up as a Disaster Management Volunteer. If you do not plan to become a volunteer, the fee is R682.00 (valid until 30 June 2026).
  • Training takes place at the GRDM Joint Operations Centre, 54 York Street, George.
  • Download the application form: https://tinyurl.com/m5sjuzmk
  • Submit completed forms to: gail.bekeer@gardenroute.gov.za or wouter@gardenroute.gov.za
  • For more information, contact:

Gail Bekeer: 044 803 1347
Wouter Jacobs: 044 803 1316

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