Emergency services on high alert as flooding batters Garden Route and Central Karoo

The Western Cape Government says emergency services and municipalities are on high alert after an Orange Level 8 warning as heavy rain and flooding affect parts of the Garden Route and Central Karoo.

Where the impacts are being felt

The provincial disaster management centre reported widespread rainfall and water infrastructure strain across the region. The N1 at Leeu Gamka has been closed because of flooding.

The South African Weather Service recorded rainfall totals of 50mm to 100mm across the Central Karoo, while some areas in the eastern Garden Route have received up to 200mm of rain since Wednesday.

Rivers, dams and power

The Department of Water and Sanitation said that dams in both the Central Karoo and Garden Route districts were spilling, and that rivers remain full or in flood. Authorities are closely monitoring the Keurbooms River, currently flowing at 133 cubic metres per second.

Eskom reported ongoing power outages in parts of the Garden Route, specifically naming Harkerville and Covie in the Bitou municipal area, and Sedgefield and Karatara in Knysna. Eskom and municipal teams are working to restore electricity to affected communities.

Roads and infrastructure damage

Road infrastructure has been affected in several areas. The report lists these disruptions:

• Molteno Pass, between Beaufort West and Loxton, remains closed.
• Sections of the R328 towards the Cango Caves and Welbedacht Road in Oudtshoorn have been closed due to weather-related damage.
• Rockfalls were reported on the R324 at Tradouw Pass and on sections of the N12.
• Localised flooding was recorded in Seweweekspoort, where response teams continue to monitor conditions.

Emergency response and community advice

Disaster management teams, emergency services, municipalities and humanitarian partners are mobilised. Humanitarian assistance, including food, blankets and other essential supplies, is being coordinated where required, and emergency shelter facilities remain available.

“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,”

said the MEC of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell.

Residents have been urged to avoid flooded roads and low-water crossings, limit non-essential travel in affected areas, stay clear of rivers and bridges, and follow updates issued through official government and municipal communication channels.