Gallery Update Video
GEORGE NEWS - A visit to Victoria Bay on Thursday morning, 7 May, found no obvious or significant structural damage to beachfront homes, guesthouses or other properties following Wednesday’s dramatic sea conditions.
While large amounts of sea foam washed over the promenade and around several buildings late on Wednesday afternoon, it appears that most of the flooding seen in widely circulated videos consisted of foam rather than destructive waves crashing directly into properties.
Although this may not have caused major structural damage, it did have a minor effect on the interiors of some homes, including appliances, furniture and flooring.
Speaking to homeowners while they were cleaning foam and debris from their houses, the consensus was that only minor internal damage had been sustained.
By Thursday afternoon, the foam had subsided significantly and Victoria Bay was accessible to the public after being closed since Wednesday afternoon.
Municipal infrastructure, including the beachfront area and access road, remained covered in sand and foam in places.
Residents and visitors nevertheless remained cautious as rough sea conditions continued along the coastline.
The patio of a self-catering guest house was covered in foam. Photo: Kristy Kolberg
Latest municipal update
At 11:35 on Thursday morning, George Municipality issued an update on weather-related disruptions across the region, confirming that earlier floodwaters on the N2 Kaaimans area have subsided.
However, motorists are urged to reduce speed and exercise caution when driving in wet conditions at all times.
According to the latest notice, the Outeniqua Pass remains open up to Waboomskraal.
At Herold’s Bay and Victoria Bay, heavy sea foam and high swells are still present, and authorities have warned that it is not advisable to attempt access to these coastal areas at this stage.
Road closure status:
• Meiringspoort between Beaufort West and Oudtshoorn is closed
• Swartberg Pass between Prince Albert and Oudtshoorn is closed
• Uniondale Poort is open
• The R62 at the first crossing between Haarlem and Avontuur is open, with updates still awaited on the second crossing
• The first entrance to Uniondale from George remains closed.
WATCH: Jeff Ayliffe paid a visit to Victoria Bay on Thursday.
On Thursday morning, 7 May, Victoria Bay beach was still covered in a foamy blanket. Photo: Kristy Kolberg
Foam washed into the ablution facilities. Photo: Kristy KolbergPrevious articles:
On Thursday morning, the bay was still covered in sea foam, while a huge swell continued to roll into the bay. Photo: Jeff Ayliffe‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
