MOSSEL BAY NEWS - There have been numerous reports to the Mossel Bay Municipality of weather-related damage, including fallen trees, structural damage (municipal and private), obstruction of roads and more, since the onset of severe weather conditions yesterday, Monday 11 May.
“The weather event is ongoing and crews are still responding, hence it is not possible to give an exact account of the current extent of damage,” said the municipality on Tuesday afternoon in an update on conditions in and around Mossel Bay.
“To date, no injuries have been reported. The municipality cannot, however, account for any injuries on private properties.”
No displacement has been reported, however, the Community Development Department (Directorate Community Services) are on alert and dealing with cases as they are reported, whereafter need assessments are done. Based on its findings, the Department of Social Development is mobilised.
The municipality said Mossel Bay Fire, Rescue and Disaster Management Services have also been supplying Gunplast (plastic sheeting) and sandbags to those affected by the severe weather.
“The Parks team have been particularly busy removing fallen trees throughout yesterday and today, assisted by other departments in the municipality who provided logistical support.
“Road closures [in town] were only implemented temporarily where fallen trees or debris caused obstruction. Minimal power outages occurred. Libraries as well as the Indoor Sports Centre were only closed yesterday. All other municipal offices remained functional.”
According to the Garden Route District Municipality, two outlying roads remain closed at this stage: the DR1525 towards Gouritsmond via Vleesbaai as well as the DR1581 Geelbeksvlei Road at Brandwag.
Mossel Bay Municipality further said all its departments (electrical, streets and stormwater, traffic and law enforcement, etc.) remain on high alert to respond and assist and that it continues to provide the community with weather warnings, updates, safety tips, and more on all its platforms.
It lastly urged all residents to refrain from creating or sharing unverified or misleading information, especially during the current conditions as this can causes unnecessary panic, create confusion in the community and place additional strain on emergency and response services. “We urge the public to remain calm and responsible, and to verify all information before sharing.”
Emergencies
All emergencies can be reported directly to the Disaster Management Help Desk (Fire Department Emergency Control Centre – Joint Operations Centre): 044 606 5121
General enquiries
For non-emergency matters, contact the municipal switchboard: 044 606 5000
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