WESTERN CAPE NEWS - Weather conditions across the Western Cape are beginning to stabilise after several days of heavy rainfall battered the Garden Route and Central Karoo, but authorities warn that the danger is far from over.
The Western Cape Government says significant volumes of water continue to move through river systems across affected areas, creating ongoing risks for communities living near rivers and low-lying areas.
Speaking after a Joint Operations Centre (JOC) briefing on Friday, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Anton Bredell said the immediate threat posed by the weather system had eased, but flood-related dangers remained.
One person dies attempting to cross flooded river
Authorities have confirmed one fatality in the Garden Route after an individual attempted to cross a flooded river.
The incident has prompted renewed calls for residents to avoid crossing flooded roads, rivers and low-water bridges under any circumstances.
Officials stressed that even though rainfall has subsided in many areas, strong river currents and hidden hazards continue to pose a serious threat to life.
Dams remain full and rivers continue to rise
While forecasts indicate a return to more typical winter weather patterns in the coming days, water levels remain a major concern.
Several dams in the Garden Route and Central Karoo are still above capacity and continue releasing water downstream, increasing the risk of flooding in vulnerable areas.
Authorities are closely monitoring river systems and dam levels as water moves through catchment areas across the province.
Emergency teams remain on high alert
Disaster management teams, emergency services and municipal officials remain fully activated as recovery efforts continue.
Humanitarian assistance, including food, drinking water and temporary shelter, is being provided to affected communities, while infrastructure teams work to restore access to areas that were temporarily isolated by flooding.
Officials also reported that electricity supply has largely been stabilised in areas affected by weather-related outages.
Residents urged to stay vigilant
The Western Cape Government says public communication efforts remain ongoing to ensure communities receive timely safety information and updates.
Residents are being urged to:
- Avoid crossing flooded roads, rivers and low-water crossings;
- Follow official weather warnings and municipal updates;
- Remain alert as river conditions continue to change; and
- Report emergencies to local authorities immediately.
"The immediate threat from the weather system has eased, but the dangers associated with swollen rivers and high dam levels remain. We urge all residents to remain vigilant and to heed official warnings and safety advice," Bredell said.
Monitoring continues across affected districts
Although conditions are improving, authorities say the situation remains under close observation and additional updates will be issued if necessary.
With floodwaters still moving through river systems and several dams continuing to spill, residents are urged not to become complacent as the province enters its winter rainfall season.
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