Gallery Update
GARDEN ROUTE | KAROO NEWS - It would appear that the heavy rainfall that George has experienced since last night is gradually subsiding, with intermittent lighter showers persisting.
Wouter Jacobs of Garden Route District Municipality said by 08:00 this morning, significant rainfall had been recorded in various areas.
Witfontein registered 75, 2mm of rain, George (Tierkop) saw 55,2mm, and Mossel Bay (Robinson Pass) received a substantial 104,4mm.
PHOTO GALLERY: George-vloede veroorsaak groot skade
A resident of Heatherlands told George Herald she emptied out her meter yesterday, 20 October before 09:00, and this morning around the same time it was overflowing, indicating that more than 100mm fell at her home.
PHOTO GALLERY: George and surrounds flooding
The relentless downpour has led to road closures in the region, resulting in a busy day for local authorities. Fortunately, up to now, no residents have had to be evacuated.
A mudslide earlier in the day near Kaaimans River has necessitated a stop-and-go system with only one lane open for traffic.
Additionally, Saasveld Road remains inaccessible due to fallen trees, while the closure of the Swartberg Pass is a precautionary measure. Power outages in Pacaltsdorp and Wilderness have also been reported.
In informal settlements, several residents have shared distressing images of their flooded homes.
The George Municipality issued a public warning, urging residents to steer clear of low-lying areas and bridges.
In a statement from municipal spokesperson Debra Sauer, emergency personnel appealed to those living in such areas to exercise extra caution during this period.
They are advised to closely monitor rising water levels and be prepared to evacuate to higher ground should the water level continue to rise.
Photos showing flooding of Parkdene Secondary School's quads were also shared on social media.
Luckily the water did not rise high enough to reach the classrooms. The flooding was allegedly caused by blocked stormwater drains.
George Herald journalist Eugene Gunning visited Victoria Bay earlier and reported that the access road leading to homes along Victoria Bay had been “transformed into a river” as water cascaded down the road.
For emergencies, please contact any of the following numbers:
- Toll-free disaster number: 087 152 9999
- All after-hours emergencies: 044 801 6300
- Cellphone 1: 074 621 8737
- Cellphone 2: 074 423 8635
In the lastest statement at 15:20, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) said the fire services have cleared fallen trees from the following roads :
- Saasveld/Seven Passes, still in the process of assessing the road to clear it for motorists
- Victoria Bay Road
The following roads are currently closed:
Mossel Bay
- Geelbeksvlei ow water bridge
- Haelkraal low water bridge
- Leeukloof low water bridge
George
- Kaaimans pass - mud slide - one lane open – stop-and-go in place (Sanral on scene)
- Saasveld Road - fallen trees - GRDM Fire and Rescue on scene
Oudtshoorn
- De Hoek low water bridge
- All low water bridges in town crossing the Grobbelaars River.
Kannaland
- Calitzdorp - Saaiman Street bridge crossing the Nels River.
Previous articles:
- Traffic update: George and Surrounds
- Garden Route emergency roads update
- Garden Route emergency roads update
- Motorists warned not to drive on flooded roads
- Kaaimans Pass closed due to flooding
- Residents urged to be safe during the heavy rainfall
- Flooded rivers, road closures in Mossel Bay
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