OUDTSHOORN NEWS - Heavy rainfall over the past two days has resulted in widespread flooding, road closures and the evacuation of dozens of residents in several areas across the Oudtshoorn municipal area.
All low-water bridges in Oudtshoorn were closed on the evening of Wednesday 3 June after rivers and streams rose rapidly causing the Raubenheimer Dam to overflow again.
The Stompdrift and Kammanassie Dams are still overflowing and have each risen by 5% since yesterday and will continue to rise until tomorrow with water still flowing in. Residents have been urged not to attempt to cross flooded roads or low-water bridges.
According to Candice Biscombe, Oudtshoorn Municipality spokesperson, the municipality has already evacuated 53 residents from the GG Kamp informal settlement and 12 residents from Welgeluk. The affected residents are accommodated at the Toekomsrus Community Hall.
A further 38 residents from the Nelsriver/Middelplaas area have been evacuated, with accommodation arrangements made for them at the De Rust Community Hall.
Biscombe said that most, if not all, informal settlements in and around the municipal area have been affected.
The municipality is distributing plastic sheeting and sandbags in an effort to limit further damage to homes and property.
The municipality has warned that dams throughout the region are currently near capacity, increasing the risk of localised flooding in low-lying areas and communities near rivers and streams.
In addition to flooding concerns, saturated ground conditions following the previous storms, have also contributed to rockfalls and incidents of vehicles becoming stuck on gravel roads throughout the area.
Municipal emergency teams remain on standby and continue to monitor the situation closely.
The municipality has urged residents to exercise caution, avoid flooded roads and low-water bridges, and limit unnecessary travel where possible.
Residents requiring emergency assistance or storm-related support must contact the relevant municipal services.
Emergency JOC contact numbers:
JOC Emergency Contact Numbers
- 044 203 7808/7807/7808
- 063 651 4676
Control Room Contact Numbers
- 044 203 7800/7801
- 063 651 4675
The Control Room contact numbers are strictly reserved for storm-related matters. Residents are requested to make use of the appropriate contact numbers to ensure efficient response and assistance.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
