The Western Cape Government has confirmed that one fatality has occurred in the Garden Route after an individual attempted to cross a flooded river. This was amid the Orange level 8 warning for disruptive rainfall over the Garden Route from Wednesday, 3 June, into Thursday, 4 June.
Authorities have again appealed to residents not to cross flooded rivers or roads, warning that these conditions remain extremely dangerous. Officials also confirmed that the worst of the weather system has passed, with conditions clearing across most affected regions.
The Western Cape Government says authorities continue to closely monitor the impact of the severe weather system affecting residents in parts of the province.
Provincial disaster management teams, emergency services and municipalities are reportedly fully activated and on high alert.
The Garden Route District Municipality has confirmed that 93 community members were precautionarily evacuated from De Rust and Welgeluk as persistent rainfall continues. The municipality added that evacuated residents remain accommodated at the Toekomsrus Community Hall, where support continues to be provided.
Eskom also reported persistent power outages in parts of the Garden Route, including Harkerville and Covie in the Bitou municipal area, as well as Sedgefield and Karatara in Knysna. Eskom and municipal teams continue to work on restoring the electricity supply to affected communities.
Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, said authorities remain focused on protecting communities and responding to incidents as they arise.
According to the SAWS, rainfall is expected to continue throughout the day, with conditions forecast to begin clearing later this afternoon.
The Disaster Management Centre has advised that the N1 is currently closed at Leeu Gamka due to flooding, with no safe alternative route available at this stage.
Residents are 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.
“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,” Minister Bredell said.
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