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Disaster Management

05 June 2024 Update 1: Garden Route Floods 09h00 update on 5 June 2024

Update 1: Garden Route Floods 09h00 update on 5 June 2024

Issued by the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Joint Operations Centre (JOC) at 09h00

JOC ACTIVATED

The Garden Route District Municipality activated its JOC at its Head Office in George following the persistent rainfall experienced since 1 June 2024. GRDM, SAPS and the National Department of Water and Sanitation form part of the JOC. A Forward Control Point is in place at Oudtshoorn Municipality.

Today, the Stompdrift Dam (8km from de Rust) is overflowing due to the heavy rains experienced in the Central Karoo area. On June 5, 2024, the Kammanassie Dam in the Oudtshoorn area overflowed, contributing to the mass of water seen along the Olifants. The main water supply for Oudtshoorn, the Koos Raubenheimer Dam, overflowed as well, pushing more water into the Olifants River. Additionally, the Gamkapoort Dam, located to the north of the region, is also experiencing an overflow into the same river. These combined overflows are significantly impacting families located in areas close to the river as well as access to several roads and passes.

RESCUES & EVACUATIONS

The South African Police Services Diving Unit is currently assisting with evacuations of residents in the region. To date, 11 people have been rescued.

  • 11 People (3 women, 4 men and 4 children) from Welgeluk in Oudtshoorn rescued.

Calitzdorp Hot Springs has been evacuated as a precautionary measure for expected downflow from the Olifants River.

ROADS CLOSED

OUDTSHOORN

1) Meiringspoort (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
2) Swartberg Pass (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
3) N12 between Oudtshoorn and De Rust where the road crosses the Nel’s river (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
4) DR1713 adjacent to the Raubenheimers Dam (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
5) Volmoed Road due to rockfalls (remains closed sincea 05/06/2024)

MOSSEL BAY

1) Geelbeksvlei Road (remains closed since 04/06/2024)

KNYSNA

1) Rheenendal Road off the N2 (remains closed since 04/06/2024)

GEORGE/WILDERNESS/UNIONDALE

1) DR1660 Joncksrust Road (30km from Uniondale) due to rockfalls (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
2) Prince Alfred Pass between Uniondale and Knysna due to rockfalls and flooding (remains closed since 05/06/2024)

ASSISTANCE TO THOSE IN DISTRESS

Families cut-off from access to roads and who have already been rescued, will be assisted. No donations are required at the moment.

Report weather-related incidents to the Garden Route Emergency Call Centre on 044 805 5071.

The next update is planned for 12h00 midday today, 5 June 2024.

21 May 2024 Media Release: Garden Route District MM shares words of appreciation to role-players of Building collapse Rescue and Recovery operations

Garden Route District MM shares words of appreciation to Role-players of partially-built Building Collapse Rescue and Recovery operations

For immediate release
21 May 2024

For nearly two weeks since 6 May 2024, the town of George in the Western Cape, South Africa experienced a disaster unimaginable when a partially-built building collapsed with workers from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique and Lesotho trapped inside.

The collapse prompted a unified response of experts from Local, Provincial and National Government. Individuals from a diverse background joined together to support the families affected by the tragedy and to keep everyone informed as each minute of the rescue and recovery efforts unfolded. Local rescuers and teams from across the country, including urban search and rescue experts, rescue technicians, doctors, paramedics, firefighters, K-9 Police dogs with their dog-handlers, machinery operators, law enforcement, forensic experts, and support personnel worked tirelessly at the site, extracting workers from the rubble. Hospitals were inundated with patients, and volunteers, as well as Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Faith Based Organisations rallied to provide assistance to the rescue teams. A church choir and spiritual leaders were also at the site to provide comfort.

As the days went by, the Multi-Agency Command Centre (MACC) coordinated by Gerhard Otto, Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Manager for Disaster Management, released updates with the assistance of Communicators from GRDM, George, Western Cape Government Department of Local Government, SAPS, as well as WCG Health and Wellness, to members of the public and media regarding the latest status of the rescue and recovery efforts.

At the MACC were representatives present from WCG, GRDM, George Municipality, Emergency Medical Services, the South African Police Service, The Forensic Pathology Service, National Department of Employment and Labour and the WCG Department of Social Development to name a few. The MACC was operational 24/7 with morning and afternoon briefing sessions taking place for all role-players to discuss their plans of action.

The last successful rescue was that of 32-year-old living miracle, Gabriel Guambe who was retrieved on 11 May 2024. Gumba was trapped under the rubble for 118 hours. His miracle rescue created tears in the eyes as soon as it became public knowledge. This successful rescue created new hope for all families and residents who waited anxiously for more rescues to occur. While not all stories ended in success, the collective resilience and solidarity of the community was evident throughout the ordeal.

In total, and as per the last media statement issued by the MACC on Friday, 17 May 2024, of the sixty-two workers (62) who were affected by the collapse, twenty-nine (34) were rescued, however to date six patients afterwards unfortunately passed away in hospital.

No one could have known that the Garden Route would be faced with such a tremendous nightmare, but to witness the people of George and Garden Route coming together to pray and provide support in this incident that created a tremendous cloud of adversity over the town, one can only take from it a lifetime of memories created by the incident. The dedicated rescue services and support provided by the golden hearts through their good deeds to those involved in the rescue mission, are just a few to be mentioned.

Monde Stratu, Municipal Manager of GRDM, visited the site on a daily basis to get to terms and understand the intensity of the incident and rescue mission. Stratu expressed his gratitude to every single official, person, and organisation, the whole of South Africa, who worked non-stop, on and off the site and to every single media representative, photographer and communicator who kept the whole of South Africa informed regarding the progress of the rescue operations. Stratu furthermore thanked all government organisations, municipalities and the private sector who prioritised their past two weeks in the best interest of the workers and their families affected by the incident.

In offering condolences to those who lost loved ones, Stratu emphasised that the whole Garden Route grieves alongside them. “He said: “As you mourn the loss of your mother, father, son, daughter or sibling, remember the entire Garden Route mourns with you.  May their departed souls rest in peace.”

ENDS

09 Febuary 2024 Media Release: A Collaborative Effort in Disaster Preparedness: Strengthening Community Resilience, starting with our Schools

Media Release: A Collaborative Effort in Disaster Preparedness: Strengthening Community Resilience, starting with our Schools

For immediate release
9 February 2024

In a concerted effort to fortify community resilience against potential disasters, the Western Cape Provincial Disaster Management team joined forces with the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), Bitou and Knysna Municipalities. Together, they embarked on a mission to equip schools within our communities with knowledge and tools necessary to mitigate and respond effectively to various hazards with the key focus on floods, fires, and how to stay safe during loadshedding.

Recognising the pivotal role of education in disaster preparedness, the initiative placed schools at the forefront of the Departmental disaster awareness strategy. Drawing insights from a comprehensive Disaster Risk and Vulnerability assessment, it was a reminder that educational institutions serve as vital hubs for disseminating critical information to students and surrounding communities. Along the eastern border of the Western Cape and within the Garden Route district, ten (10) schools were identified as potential hosts for the Disaster Awareness Campaign that started on the 5th of February 2024 and end on the 9th of February 2024.

Among the schools that were earmarked for participation, are:

Bitou Local Municipal Area

– Wittedrift Primary School
– The Crags Primary School
– Formosa Primary School
– Phakamisani Primary School
– Kranshoek Primary School

Knysna Local Municipal Area

– Chris Nissen Primary School
– Thembelitsa Primary School
– Fraaisig Primary School
– Bracken Hill Primary School
– Karatara Primary School

These schools were strategically chosen based on their geographic positioning and capacity to engage with students. Spearheaded by the Western Cape Provincial Disaster Management Centre, the campaign sought to collaborate with schools in conducting a disaster awareness play tailored specifically for learners. The simulated plays helped to foster a culture of preparedness and responsibility within schools and surrounding communities. By empowering learners with the knowledge of what to do and whom to call in times of crisis, the initiative aimed to instill a sense of confidence and self-reliance among individuals.

Disaster educations sessions held at schools within the Knysna and Bitou areas.

Lee-Ann Joubert, Disaster Management Officer at GRDM, said: “As the Disaster Awareness Campaign reaching its conclusion, reflections on its success underscore the power of collective effort and collaboration. By harnessing the strengths of educational institutions and community stakeholders, significant strides are made towards building resilient and disaster-ready communities. Looking ahead, it is imperative to sustain the momentum generated by this initiative. Prioritising proactive measures and educational initiatives will be paramount in enhancing preparedness and response capabilities.

In closing Joubert said: “Together, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to navigating the challenges posed by natural disasters with resilience, unity, and unwavering determination”.

Feature Image: Lee-Ann Joubert, Disaster Management Officer at GRDM, during an education session.

ENDS

22 January 2024 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality provides ongoing support to the Kannaland Municipal area

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality provides ongoing support to the Kannaland Municipal area

For Immediate Release
22 January 2024

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) continues to deliver a comprehensive list of services to the Kannaland municipal area. For example, from October to December 2023, the following services were rendered – inspection of food premises, health surveillance of premises, water sampling, advice in terms of the upgrading of the Zoar Sewage Pump Station and Oxidation ponds, air quality monitoring and disaster management support.

111 Inspection at Food Premises: A total of 111 inspections were conducted by GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) across various food establishments, including restaurants, informal food traders, dairy farms, supermarkets, soup kitchens, butcheries, spaza shops, and others.

457 Health Surveillance of Premises: GRDM EHPs conducted 457 inspections at locations including waste facilities, water treatment plants, illegal dump sites, old age homes, childcare facilities, and more to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.

34 Water Samples taken: EHPs took an additional 34 water samples, encompassing drinking water, river water, and final sewage effluent.

Routine Water Quality Sampling: EHPs routinely assessed water reticulation systems and wastewater treatment works, ensuring compliance with national standards and addressing non-compliance promptly to protect public health and the environment.

Zoar Sewage Pump Station and Oxidation Ponds: GRDM assisted with the upgrading of the Zoar sewage infrastructure, significantly reducing pollution in the Nels River.

Air quality monitoring of Ladismith Waste Water Treatment Works: Following an offensive odour complaint, GRDM’s Air Quality unit initiated an investigation leading to several interventions.

Calitzdorp Water Treatment Works: GRDM assisted in identifying and rectifying non-compliance issues at the Calitzdorp water treatment plant, which led to improved drinking water quality.

Disaster Management Interventions for Water Crisis: In response to the current water crisis in Calitzdorp as well as rural areas provided with water from the Klein Karoo Rural Water Supply Scheme (KKRWSS)  the GRDM Disaster Management Services provided 28 X 5500L water tanks to ensure accessible potable water for communities in these water-stressed areas. This was reported earlier in December 2023.  

ENDS

16 January 2024 Media Release: Public Red Tide Advisory Against the Consumption of any Shellfish or Washed-Up Marine Species along the Garden Route District Coastline

Media Release: Public Red Tide Advisory Against the Consumption of any Shellfish or Washed-Up Marine Species along the Garden Route District Coastline

For Immediate Release
16 January 2024

Public reports were received regarding a red tide phenomenon in the coastal waters along the Garden Route district coastline. Reports received from residents at various coastal locations, indicates that the following areas along the coast are affected:

Storms River Mouth, Plettenberg Bay, Swartvlei Beach, Kleinkrantz, Wilderness, Glentana, and Vleesbaai situated in Mossel Bay.

As a precautionary measure, the Garden Route District Municipality’s Disaster Management Centre is advising the public to refrain from consuming any shellfish or washed up marine species due to the emergence of this red tide.

Marine water samples have been taken by the George Municipality to identify the species of microscopic algae that is causing the red tide, but for now it looks like the species Noctiluca scintillans, which is a planktonic dinoflagellate that can cause bioluminescence at night and taint surface water reddish-orange.

Residents along the Garden Route district coastline are advised against consuming any shellfish or washed-up marine life due to the recent emergence of a red tide phenomenon. Image: iStock

What are red tides?

Red tides are a natural phenomenon in coastal waters and are caused by a dense accumulation of microscopic algae. The algae species Noctiluca scintillans are not thought to be harmful to humans, but it is advisable to avoid eating any washed-up marine life and to avoid collecting bivalves (oysters, clams, and mussels) until the strain has been identified. The presence of algae blooms is linked to eutrophication, which is a process involving the enrichment of water with nutrients, often stemming from agricultural runoff during rainy periods.

The current red tide display is anticipated to persist for several days. Ongoing analysis and monitoring of the situation is prioritised to ensure public safety during this natural event. Further information will be available once the water sample test results are released.

Feature Image: Residents along the Garden Route district coastline are advised against consuming any shellfish or washed-up marine life due to the emergence of a red tide phenomenon. 

ENDS

20 December 2023 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality comes to the rescue of Kannaland communities

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality comes to the rescue of Kannaland communities

For immediate release
20 December 2023

Earlier this month, the Garden Route Disaster Centre was informed that some of the people supplied with water from the Klein Karoo Rural Water Scheme (KKRWSS) have been without domestic water supply for more than a week. In addition, complaints of bad water quality provided by the Water Services Authority in Calitzdorp, were also received.

The first delivery of 17 water tanks to Calitzdorp, the remaining 11 tanks should be delivered before Xmas.

In order to assess the situation, as well as to identify the root cause of these complaints, an emergency meeting with officials of the Kannaland Municipality and some of the water users were convened.  The meeting took place at the Calitzdorp Library Hall on Wednesday the 6th of December 2023.

At this meeting, challenges in terms of the main water supply from the Nels Dam to the Calitzdorp Water Purification Works, the variable water quality received at the Water Purification Works, as well as the quantity of water available for supply to the KKRWSS, were discussed.

A few short and medium term solutions were discussed for consideration by the Kannaland Municipality as the responsible authority, to ensure the provision of water to both Calitzdorp, as well as the rural Kannaland communities that receive water from the KKRWSS.

Gerhard Otto, Manager for Disaster Management at GRDM said: “As an interim stopgap measure, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) donated 28 x 5500 liter water tanks to the Kannaland Municipality to be erected in the areas mostly affected by interruptions in water supply, to ensure a sustainable source of good quality water supply for domestic use in the affected areas”.

ENDS

16 October 2023 Media Alert: Appreciate our EMS personnel by pledging to keep them safe

16 October 2023

Media Alert: Appreciate our EMS personnel by pledging to keep them safe

To commemorate National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Day on 17 October, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness will host several community events in appreciation of the province’s EMS men and women who play critical roles every day in bringing quality health care delivery closer to residents.

On the day, residents can interact with EMS personnel in their districts about service improvements or complaints, as well as write messages on ambulances and pledge their support to keep our province’s EMS personnel safe.

The Department is deeply disturbed by reports of EMS personnel being attacked by the very same community members they are serving. A total of 37 incidents have taken place in 2023, leaving 60 EMS personnel traumatised and disrupting essential healthcare services to the most vulnerable.

Media are invited to attend these EMS appreciation events on 17 October. There will be opportunities for photographs and interviews.

District Location Time
Garden Route Multipurpose Community Centre, Thembalethu 08h00
Central Karoo Shoprite Park, Beaufort West 10h00
Overberg Thusong Community Centre, Grabouw 10h00
West Coast Moorreesburg Community Hall 10h00
Cape Winelands Mountain Mall, Worcester 09h00
Southern Division Watergate Mall, Lentegeur 09h00
Eastern Division Macassar, corner of Burg and Hospital Street 11h30
Northern Division Civic Centre, Delft 11h30
Western Division Town Square, Fish Hoek 11h00

Note to Editors:
Media wishing to attend these events can reach out to Megan Davids.

Contact
Media Liaison, Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness
Email: Megan.Davids@westerncape.gov.za
Mobile: 082 041 5203

Issued: Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness

ENDS

5 October 2023 Media Release: GRDM Firefighters assist Overstrand Municipality with water provision for its residents

Media Release: GRDM Firefighters assist Overstrand Municipality with water provision for its residents.

For immediate release
5 October 2023

Last week, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Fire and Rescue Services responded to a request to assist the Overstrand Municipality with water provision in Hermanus and surrounding areas.

After impacts of severe rains that hit the western part of the Western Cape on the weekend of 25 September 2023, many water systems were severely impacted, so much so that multiple towns were left without drinking water for an extended period of time.

On Thursday afternoon, 28 September 2023, two (2) firefighters from the GRDM Fire Services left the Garden Route with a fire truck that carried 5500 litres of water to assist Overstrand. GRDM’s Martino Jacobs and Petrus Jordaan further assisted by delivering water to various residential areas, carting water from Standford to Hermanus for a four-day period.

Chief Fire Officer, Deon Stoffels, indicated: “It was a humble and proud experience for the GRDM firefighters to assist a neighbouring district and towns with residents that were in real need of an essential commodity. As usual GRDM is proud to be of assistance in times of crisis,” he concluded.

ENDS

22 September 2023 Impact-Based Severe Weather Warnings – Level 6 for Damaging Waves, Severe Thunderstorms and Damaging Winds

Three severe weather alerts have been issued and are expected to impact various areas within the Garden Route district.

Warnings are all valid from Sunday, 24 September at 00:00 in the morning until 00:00 on Monday 25 September 2023.

Towns to be impacted by DAMAGING WINDS and SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS in the region include all towns – Bitou, Knysna, George, Mossel Bay, Hessequa, Kannaland, and Oudtshoorn.

All coastal towns of the Garden Route will be impacted by DAMAGING WAVES – these include Bitou, Knysna, George, Mossel Bay, and Hessequa.

  • Level 6 for Damaging Winds (high likelihood, with a significant impact)
  • Level 6 for Severe Thunderstorms (high likelihood, with a significant impact)
  • Level 6 for Damaging Waves (high likelihood, with a significant impact)

Below find copies of the Severe Weather Alerts issued by the South African Weather Service.

Legal notice:
“This warning from SA Weather Service must be communicated as received and may not be altered under any circumstance.
It must be forwarded or communicated in its entirety and no portion hereof may be replicated or copied and distributed.”

Report weather-related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at 044 805 5071.

20 September 2023 Garden Route District Municipality and stakeholders collect nearly 500 bags of waste, including recyclable materials, in Thembalethu

Garden Route District Municipality and stakeholders collect nearly 500 bags of waste, including recyclable materials, in Thembalethu

Representatives from the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries & the Environment (DFFE), with the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs & Development Planning, Garden Route District and George Municipalities, Cape Nature and stakeholders from the Private Sector including John Dory’s and the Spur Foundation, embarked on a clean-up operation near the Schaap-kop River on 15 September in Thembalethu, George.

The clean-up operation included 65 Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) members, including a Working-on-Fire Team from George. The programme formed part of the Clean-Up and Recycle – South Africa initiative and was also part of the International Coastal Clean-Up Day that is celebrated in September each year. Approximately 100 participants, with the stakeholder representatives, rolled up their sleeves to clean up the littered area.

A few bags of waste collected at the site during the cleanup operation.

On behalf of CapeNature, Stakeholder Engagement Officer, Thabiso Mokoena, said that with the initiative and the impact of pollution on the environment, he hopes that it will inspire the community to do better in terms of how household waste is disposed of.  Katt Perry, Senior Manager at John Dory’s, said that they have a vested interest in the project, and she stressed that “if waste comes through the river, it will end up in the oceans and eventually, we won’t be able to help the fish that are disappearing”. Perry thanked participants present for their hard work and said: “It takes that one person to make a difference”.

Dawid Adonis, Director for Community Services at George Municipality, during his remarks said: “We need to make sure that we keep the environment clean – we need communities to assist us to keep our environment clean and take responsibility”. In addition, he said: “Each and every one of us is an ambassador to make sure that our households use the bags and separate household waste as it will help the municipality to take less waste to the landfill facility”.

Before the groups went into different directions, each with refuse bags, GRDM’s Waste Management Officer, Innocentia Sikweyiya, explained the purpose of the various bags and what waste types are allowed in the different bags”.

At the end of the event, more approximately 320 black bags and nearly 50 recyclable bags were collected. Thank you to all stakeholders and participants who formed part of this initiative.

Stakeholders and members from the WOF and EPWP teams during the Cleanup operation in Thembalethu.

Did you know?

  • BLUE/CLEAR bags are used for non-soiled recyclable materials, including plastic, paper, cardboard, glass etc.
  • GREEN bags are for green waste, including organic kitchen waste such as fruit and vegetable peels, as well as garden waste, including grass cuttings, leaves etc. No soil is allowed in green bags.
  • BLACK bags are for ‘wet’ waste, things that cannot be recycled.

How do you recycle?

  • PAPER that CAN be recycled: office paper, newspaper and magazines, cardboard (boxes flattened), brown paper bags, take away containers (food removed and rinsed), milk and juice cartons (rinsed and flattened) and books (hard covers removed).
  • PAPER that CANNOT be recycled: napkins, tissue paper, paper towels, wax paper, laminated or waxy paper, punch confetti, carbon paper and stickers.
  • METAL that CAN be recycled: cooldrink and beer cans, food tins (rinsed clean), metal lids of glass, jars, aluminium cans, rusty cans can be recycled and recycled batteries (taken to correct depot).
  • METAL that CANNOT be recycled: batteries, motor oil cans, paint and aerosol cans, and tinfoil.
  • GLASS that CAN be recycled: all colours of glass bottles and jars, beer and wine bottles (rinsed).
  • GLASS that CANNOT be recycled: mirrors and windows, ceramic, crystal, drinking glasses and light bulbs.
  • PLASTIC that CAN be recycled: all plastics numbers 1-7 (rinsed), grocery and retail plastic bags (clean) and milk sachets.
  • PLASTIC that CANNOT be recycled: cling wrap, and polystyrene (is recyclable but no facility on Garden Route for now).

ENDS