Communities in the Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) are experiencing severe impacts from the flooding over the past few days, with many people still thought to be cut off by rising flood waters.

Following a Joint Operations Centre (JOC) meeting this morning, it was established that water levels in the Breede and other rivers continue to rise downstream, leaving many people at risk. The Breede, Berg, and Kleinberg Rivers are currently causing the most concern.

The areas worst affected are (in order): Witzenberg, Breede Valley, Drakenstein, Langeberg, and then Stellenbosch.

There are currently over 2,200 affected people being housed in community and church halls across the district. The most affected area is Worcester, where close to 1,900 people have been evacuated.

The entire Silverstrand area outside Robertson, located along the Breede River, was evacuated yesterday (Tuesday).

A major rescue operation is underway in Gouda, where eight families became trapped by rising floodwaters along the Kleinberg River. Authorities say 49 people, including men, women and children, are being evacuated after the river rose rapidly earlier today.

The NSRI says multiple rescue teams remain active across the Western Cape.

Another big rescue operation took place near Rawsonville, where farmworkers and their families were rescued from rooftops after becoming trapped by rising floodwaters. Three people sadly died in flooding-related incidents at the scene.

The Municipality’s Jo-Anne Otto says a reconnaissance flight will be conducted today (13 May) to establish the extent of people who may be cut off, as well as the full impact of the damage.

Due to access challenges, humanitarian relief has been difficult in some areas.

“Where possible, the Department of Social Development (DSD), Gift of the Givers, and the Salvation Army have been supplying mattresses, blankets, hot meals, hygiene items, and dignity packs to affected residents.”

Otto says local soup kitchens and benevolent organisations are assisting, but the need is significant, and supplies are constrained due to limited access.

She says a further 250 trucks are currently stuck on the N1 between the De Wet turn-off and the weighbridge in the direction of Cape Town. An additional 22 buses are parked at the Ultra City on the N1, where resources have been depleted.

The N1 and both tunnels remain closed due to multiple storm-related incidents, including mudslides and an overflowing river.