By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Western Cape provincial government confirmed that 93 people from De Rust and Welgeluk were evacuated as a precaution after persistent rainfall raised concerns about flooding and community safety.
The residents are currently being housed at the Toekomsrus Community Hall, where support services remain in place.
The evacuations come as the region grapples with one of the most significant weather events of the year, following an Orange level 8 warning for disruptive rainfall issued by the South African Weather Service. (SAWS)
According to a statement from the Western Cape Government, the SAWS reported rainfall totals of between 50 mm and 100 mm across the Central Karoo, while some areas in the eastern Garden Route have received up to 200 mm of rain since Wednesday.
The provincial government said the N1 highway was closed at Leeu Gamka in the Central Karoo due to flooding, and several other roads across the province were also closed or affected by flooding, weather-related damage and rockfalls.
In the Garden Route district, dozens of low-lying bridges and river crossings were flooded, resulting in additional road closures and hazardous travel conditions.
Parts of the province were also experiencing electricity outages, with the national utility company and municipal teams working to restore supply to affected communities.
“The situation remains stable, but conditions can change rapidly as the weather system continues to move through the affected areas. We urge residents to remain vigilant, heed all warnings, and avoid taking unnecessary risks,” Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Anton Bredell said in the statement.
The Garden Route District Municipality emergency line is 044 805 5071, or send a WhatsApp to 081 709 5193.
The severe weather also affected neighboring Eastern Cape Province, where Kouga Municipality reported flooding and road closures caused by persistent heavy rainfall.