The Western Cape Government remains on high alert as a powerful weather system continues to affect large parts of the Garden Route and Central Karoo, bringing widespread flooding, road closures and electricity outages.

According to George Herald, the latest update from the Western Cape Disaster Management Centre reveals that some areas of the eastern Garden Route have received as much as 200mm of rain since yesterday (June 3), while parts of the Central Karoo recorded between 50mm and 100mm.

Road closures and flooding

One of the most significant impacts has been the closure of the N1 at Leeu Gamka due to flooding, with authorities confirming that no safe alternative route is currently available.

According to the Department of Water and Sanitation, dams across both the Central Karoo and Garden Route districts are currently spilling, while several rivers remain at flood level.

The Keurbooms River is among the waterways being closely monitored, with flow rates recorded at 133 cubic metres per second.

The South African Weather Service has indicated that rainfall is expected to continue throughout the day, although weather conditions are forecast to begin clearing later this afternoon.

Road damage reported

Several roads across the affected districts have sustained weather-related damage.

The following routes remain closed or partially inaccessible:

• Molteno Pass between Beaufort West and Loxton
• Sections of the R328 leading to Cango Caves
• Welbedacht Road in Oudtshoorn

Authorities have also reported rockfalls along the Tradouw Pass on the R324 and on sections of the N12.

Localised flooding has furthermore been reported in Seweweekspoort, where response teams continue to monitor conditions.

Power outages

The severe weather has also disrupted electricity supply in parts of the Garden Route.

Eskom reported ongoing outages affecting communities including Harkerville and Covie in the Bitou municipal area, as well as Sedgefield and Karatara in the Knysna region.

Repair teams from Eskom and local municipalities are working to restore power where conditions allow.

Relief efforts continue

Disaster management officials, emergency services, municipalities and humanitarian organisations remain fully activated across the affected areas.

Humanitarian assistance, including food parcels, blankets and other essential supplies, is being co-ordinated where necessary, while emergency shelters remain available should residents require temporary accommodation.

Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Anton Bredell said authorities remain focused on protecting communities and responding rapidly to incidents.

“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,” Bredell said.

Residents are being urged to avoid flooded roads and low-water crossings, stay away from swollen rivers and bridges, and limit non-essential travel in affected areas.

Authorities have encouraged the public to follow official government and municipal communication channels for the latest weather and disaster management updates as the system continues to move across the province.

See the updated warnings and advisory for today and tomorrow:

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