Widespread mopping up is underway in the Western Cape, by a Joint Operations Centre (JOC), following heavy rains, since Sunday.
Anton Bredell, Minister for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, said on Thursday, the restoration of basic services across all affected districts, is also underway.
“Our province has been affected by two severe weather events in a short space of time. While damages still need to be fully assessed, they appear extensive and widespread. We know there are areas in the Garden Route where residents have been without electricity for nine days, which has subsequently impacted other basic services. Many communities in the Witzenberg area also remain isolated, with no road access, no electricity, and disrupted communication networks.”
Eskom confirmed the restoration of electricity supply to the towns of Wolseley and Tulbagh, while work continues in Ceres.
Humanitarian relief efforts are across the City of Cape Town, Garden Route, Cape Winelands, Central Karoo, West Coast, and Overberg districts.
Displaced residents are accommodated at community halls.
The City of Cape Town reported that more than 84,000 people living in informal settlements across the metro, were affected and require assistance.
Flooding also continues along the Breede River, where peak flows of 1,989 m³/s were recorded on Thursday morning. However, reports from the Overberg District indicate that water levels are gradually subsiding.
NSRI crews rescued 23 stranded farm workers and their families, including babies, elderly residents and vulnerable individuals, during severe flooding between Worcester and Rawsonville. Rescue teams battled dangerous floodwaters for hours to bring everyone to safety in a heartbreaking operation that also saw three fatalities recovered.
The Clanwilliam Dam level has dropped to 89% from 103%, following controlled water releases.
Communities downstream, including Trawal and Vredendal, are urged to remain cautious due to high flow volumes in the Olifants River.
According to the Garden Route JOC, there are now 30 open roads, 36 closed roads, 8 roads that are partially open / one lane and 8 for local access only.
Picture: The boathouse, near Malgas, Breede.