Mossel Bay on high alert due to gale-force winds

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Mossel Bay was on high alert this week due to the severe weather conditions, most notably the strong winds on Monday 11 May.

The Mossel Bay Municipality received numerous reports about weather-related damage, including fallen trees, structural damage to property (both municipal and private), the obstruction of roads, power outages and more.

By Monday afternoon, the South African Weather Service (Saws) had issued a level 2 storm surge, warning of a cold front across the Western Cape, which brought heavy rains, high waves and rising coastal water levels. By Wednesday 13 May, the level 2 warnings were still in effect.

A wave hits Kaai 4 Braai Restaurant at the harbour during the adverse weather conditions. Photo: Linzetta Calitz

In response to the adverse weather conditions, the Mossel Bay Fire, Rescue and Disaster Management Services distributed plastic sheeting on Monday evening to assist residents affected by the storm.

However, no injuries on municipal property or displacement of residents within the municipal area have been reported.

Some roads were temporarily closed where fallen trees or debris had caused obstructions.

The municipality said all its departments (electrical, streets, stormwater, traffic, law enforcement, etc) remained on high alert to respond and assist the public, and that it continues to provide weather warnings, updates, safety tips and more on all its official platforms.

Residents have been urged to refrain from creating or sharing unverified or misleading information, especially during adverse weather conditions experienced this week, as this causes unnecessary panic, creates confusion and places additional strain on emergency and response services.

"We urge the public to remain calm and responsible, and to verify all information before sharing," said the municipality.

As a safety precaution, all schools in the Western Cape were closed on Tuesday 12 May, but reopened their doors on Wednesday morning.

Mossel Bay residents have been urged to remain mindful, to practise extreme caution when driving, to avoid coastal areas and to stay inside where possible.

All emergencies can be reported directly to the municipality's joint operations centre on 044 606 5121. For non-emergency matters, contact the municipal switchboard on 044 606 5000.

A tree that was uprooted in Heiderand, Mossel Bay. Photo: Mossel Bay Municipality