Garden Route | Karoo storms: Status update at 08:30

Update

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Today’s wind forecast for the entire region is 50 km/h (Orange Level 5), following severe gusts that exceeded 100 km/h on 11 May.

Damaging winds and waves along the coastline also remain a concern, with an Orange Level 4 warning currently in place.

Rainfall warnings of Orange Level 2 have been issued for George, Mossel Bay, and Hessequa, while Plettenberg Bay and Knysna is expected to experience more severe conditions, with an Orange Level 6 rainfall warning in effect today.

In addition, a Yellow Level 2 warning for storm surge conditions remains active along the entire coastline and is valid until midday on 13 May.

Humanitarian assistance

With wet weather conditions continuing, members of the public who have lost their homes will need to be accommodated in community halls. At present, approximately 650 people are being sheltered at various community halls across the region:

George (25)
Knysna (391)
Bitou (116)
Oudtshoorn (65)
Kannaland (53)
Hessequa (0)
Mossel Bay (0)

Seventy (70) learners (mostly matriculants), from Klaarstroom, are stranded at De Rust. The Department of Education are planning for learners to return home.

Priorities for today, 12 May

As electricity is restored in affected areas, particularly in rural areas such as Kammanassie, Joncksrust, and Hartebees River (south-east of Uniondale), residents cut off from roads are increasingly able to contact authorities to request food supplies.

Further aerial support may be required, although current weather conditions are unfavourable. The SANDF has made a specialised 4x4 vehicle available to assist, and it is hoped that this resource will improve access to affected communities.

Fire and Rescue Teams will continue to monitor and control affected areas for tree removals, including the clearing of dangerous or partially hanging branches that may pose a safety risk.

The District Roads Engineer is assessing damaged routes to determine where roads can be restored or where alternative access routes can be created.

Highlights: 11 MAY

We are pleased to announce that the lady who went into labour yesterday was safely transported by the South African Infantry School, using a specialised 4x4 ambulance, to the Oudtshoorn Provincial Hospital. She successfully gave birth to a healthy baby girl shortly after 17:00.

The body of the deceased man who was swept away in Klaarstroom to Meiringspoort, was recovered yesterday afternoon by the EMS Provincial Ambulance Services. His body was carried approximately 1.2 km from the location where it was discovered.

The GRDM water tankers (8 000L and 10 000L) continue to provide assistance in the Bitou municipal area.

GRDM also provided support to Kannaland Municipality after the informal settlement at Varkieskraal in Ladismith was flattened. Affected community members are currently being accommodated at a community hall. GRDM supplied gum poles, 40 mattresses, and 100 blankets as part of the relief efforts.

George Municipality also requested additional assistance, and GRDM provided its remaining mattresses along with 80 blankets to support affected residents.

Status of roads

During emergencies, authorities may fast-track or temporarily exempt some of these approvals. Certain emergency response and recovery activities may trigger environmental authorisations in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), which may include amongst others: