UPDATE: Impact of Heavy Rainfall in George Municipal Area
A fallen tree on the Wilderness Water Treatment Works building
Mop-up operations have started in George following floods in parts of George that were caused by the torrential downpours since last night. The rain has subsided quite considerably; however, the George Disaster Management Services continue to advise members of the public to please drive with extreme caution today.
Rainfall over the past 24 hours
• Unconfirmed rainfall measured at the Botanical Gardens, 105mm
• Unconfirmed report rainfall measured at Buffelskop, catchment Area for Touws River, 180mm
• Unconfirmed report rainfall measured at Upper Touws River Water Weather Station, 110 mm
• Confirmed rainfall measured at Garden Route Dam, 100mm and Garden Route Dam is overflowing.
• Confirmed rainfall Uniondale, 85mm
• Confirmed rainfall Haarlem,70mm
• Confirmed Avontuur, 72mm
Temporary Road Closures
Four roads temporarily closed including Outeniqua Pass. Camphersdrift Road, CJ Langenhoven Street, Hope Street and King George Road. All roads have been reopened.
The second entrance to Waboomskraal was temporarily closed and caution was issued for water across the roadways between Oudtshoorn and the Outeniqua Pass.
We continue to urge motorists to drive with caution as the roads are wet and slippery. Please note, that the road surfaces remain wet, motorists are to proceed with caution and at reduced speed.
Areas flooded
• 17 – 20 houses have reported flooding – Areas include Hoekwil, Lawaaikamp, Borcherds, Rosedale, Blanco and Thembalethu Zone 4, 6 and 7
• Blanco Community Hall is currently housing approximately 25 people who were evacuated from Malgas Singel and Klaassen Street in Blanco
• House flooded in Uniondale; residents temporarily accommodated in Lyonville Community Hall
• Flood reporting along Touws River (Pirate’s Creek, Die Duin) following a delay in opening the river mouth
• Anchorage Lane, Wilderness – several homes flooded
• Ebb and Flow Camp Site has experienced minor flood conditions
• Flooding at Wilderness Civils Depot and Water Treatment Works. Damage is being assessed by Civil Engineering Services
• Fallen tree on Wilderness Water Treatment Works building being assessed and removed
• The river mouth has been opened by SANPARKS and is flowing correctly
Disruption to Service Delivery
• The Gwaing Landfill Site situated at R102 Airport Road has been closed, due to the inclement weather. The Waste Transfer Station remains operational.
• The collection of black refuse bags and recycling bags will resume later today. Green bags will not be collected due to the closure of the Gwaing landfill site.
• All planned vegetation maintenance is postponed for today.
• Planned power outages have been postponed for today.
Emergency Services remain on alert
Although the rainfall has decreased considerably, the George Disaster Management Services remain on standby to attend to any emergencies. The Municipality continues to monitor weather developments, and the public will be updated via George Municipal Social Media Channels.
Only travel, if necessary, DRIVE SLOWLY and do not attempt to drive through a body of water that is fast-moving.
AFTER-HOURS AND EMERGENCIES: 044 801 6300
TOLL-FREE DISASTER NUMBER: 087 152 9999
FIRE EMERGENCIES: 044 801 6311
