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.