Staff Reporter.
The Western Cape’s Disaster Management Centre has offered its support following the ongoing storm in the Southern Cape and the Garden Route by initiating a Joint Operations Committee (JOC) on Monday, November 22 to assist those residents affected.
Provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredel has urged people living and travelling in affected regions to be aware of the weather conditions and to limit travelling and being outdoors as much as possible.
“We are aware of severe localised flooding, strong running water and difficult driving conditions across the region with George particularly impacted. Several clinics have been affected and there are reports of some localised flooding at the George Mediclinic which is being attended to. Driving may be particularly hazardous on rural gravel roads. If possible, stay indoors and off the roads and avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams,” Bredell said.
Ten schools were closed due to flooding and heavy rain along the Garden Route on Monday, as well as several private and provincial medical facilities.
Four people were rescued from their rooftops in George, seven people were evacuated from Thembalethu and 27 people were evacuated from Skaapkop Valley in Pacaltsdorp.
Seven passes between George, Oudtshoorn and Bitou were closed, but most roadways had been reopened by Tuesday morning.
In Mossel Bay on Monday, several homes were affected by flooding.
“There have been reports of water entering houses/buildings. The Mossel Bay Fire Services [officials] are responding to reports, pumping water out, and providing sandbags,” the Mossel Bay municipality said in a statement.
The Western Cape Education Department said severe flooding resulted in the closure of several schools in George. However, it ensured that all matric examinations centres were open so that Grade 12 National Senior Certificate candidates could write their final exams.
Contingency measures have also been made to help candidates reach examination centres, the department added.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) warned that localised flooding in Knysna, Bitou, George, Swellendam and other areas along the Garden Route could continue.