OUDTSHOORN NEWS - With relentless heavy rainfall causing dangerous flooding across Oudtshoorn and the Klein Karoo, residents must remain vigilant and take immediate action to protect their safety.
Gerhard Otto, Head of Eden District Disaster Management, has appealed to motorists to stay off the roads as far as possible and to exercise extreme caution where travel is unavoidable.
Rising water levels and rapidly changing conditions continue to pose serious risks across affected areas.
Residents living in low-lying areas are particularly at risk of sudden flooding and are advised to closely monitor water levels. Should conditions worsen, they are urged to evacuate immediately to higher ground or safer locations.
Authorities strongly warn against attempting to cross low-water bridges, streams, or flooded roads. Even shallow, fast-flowing water can be dangerous. As little as 15 centimetres of moving water can sweep a person off their feet, while vehicles can easily be carried away in deeper currents.
Motorists are advised to avoid flooded routes and to make use of alternative roads where possible. Parking vehicles in safe, elevated areas is also recommended.
The public is encouraged to stay informed by monitoring weather updates via radio and television, and to remain alert, particularly at night when hazardous conditions are more difficult to detect.
Pedestrians are also cautioned against walking through floodwaters, as even slow-moving water can pose significant dangers. In addition, residents are advised not to camp or park near rivers during periods of heavy rain or thunderstorms.
Floodwaters may be contaminated with sewage, oil, or other hazardous substances and could also pose an electrical risk. Contact with such water should be avoided at all times.
Parents are encouraged to educate children about the dangers associated with flooding, while households are advised to keep important documents in water-resistant containers and to have cell phones and emergency numbers readily accessible.
In the event of an emergency, residents should contact their nearest municipal disaster management centre, police station, or emergency services.
Emergency Contact Numbers:
Oudtshoorn:
Municipality Switchboard (24 hours): 044 203 7800 / 044 203 7801
Disaster Management (Toll-Free): 087 152 9999
Disaster Emergencies: 044 203 3110
Fire Department: 044 203 7800
Garden Route Disaster Centre: 044 805 5071
Law Enforcement: 044 203 7800
Metro Ambulance: 044 272 7751 / 044 272 7752
ER24 (Private): 084 124
Authorities continue to monitor the situation and urge the public to cooperate fully with safety directives as adverse weather conditions persist.
