Severe weather floods Garden Route; 93 people evacuated to community hall

Heavy rain and severe weather warnings have driven emergency responses across the Garden Route, with dozens of residents moved to temporary shelter and multiple transport routes affected.

Who was affected and where they were moved

On 3 June 2026, 93 community members were evacuated from De Rust and Welgeluk. They are being accommodated at the Toekomsrus Community Hall.

Weather alerts and rainfall

The South African Weather Service issued Level 8 weather warnings earlier this week. The Garden Route Municipality reported persistent rainfall over the past 24 hours, including periods of intense showers and heavy overnight downpours.

Rivers, dams and flood impacts

The Groot River Dam has been overflowing for the first time this year amid the severe weather. The Garden Route Dam is also overflowing, and localised flooding was reported in Nature’s Valley. River levels have significantly increased in the Keurbooms, Knysna, Great Brak, Kandelaars and Olifants river systems.

Authorities say higher inflows from the Gamka Dam and increased releases from the Stompdrift Dam are being monitored. Emergency teams are conducting regular assessments of vulnerable communities and low-lying areas adjacent to these river systems.

Roads, bridges and other hazards

Water pooling in urban areas has caused some manhole covers to lift due to pressure on stormwater systems, including along the N2 between Sedgefield and George, shortly after Waves Garage. Multiple low-lying bridges and river crossings are flooded.

Several roads remain closed because of flooding, rockfalls, landslides and other weather-related hazards. Rockfalls have been reported on the N12 near Chandelier Game Lodge, Nature’s Valley, Wittedrift (the road has been closed) and in the Kaaimans area. Fallen trees along Saasveld Road were reported and have been cleared by George Municipality, though more trees are expected to fall and the area remains dangerous to travel through.

Public safety advice and ongoing monitoring

Residents along the Garden Route have been advised to avoid flooded areas, low-water crossings and riverbanks, and to stay updated on official weather conditions and safety advisories. Road authorities and emergency services are continuing to monitor the road network and vulnerable areas and to provide updates as conditions change.