Statistics indicate that Grabouw received a staggering 289 mm of rain between 1 and 10 July while Elim received 144 mm, Struisbaai 98 mm, Hermanus 88 mm and Cape Agulhas 56 mm, leading to severe flooding in most areas of the Overberg.
This, in turn, resulted in road closures and a number of areas across the Overberg district left without water and/or electricity for varying periods, from hours to days.
Authorities were on high alert and worked around the clock throughout last week to monitor water levels and restore services to affected communities.
All public schools across the Overberg district were also closed on Thursday 11 and Friday 12 July due to adverse weather conditions.
There was concern about possible flooding of the bridge at Bot River that had been washed away during last year’s Heritage weekend storms but has since been repaired. Although the water level at the bridge was very high the levels dropped to below the bridge’s surface, negating the necessity to close this important route.
Last week, Theewaterskloof Municipality also urged motorists travelling on the N2 between Grabouw and Bot River to drive with caution as water streamed across the road surface at Houw Hoek Farm Stall for several days.
Both the R44 (Clarence Drive) between Rooi Els and Gordon’s Bay and Franschhoek Pass as well as the roads between Bredasdorp and Struisbaai and between Bredasdorp and Arniston were closed to traffic. Franschhoek Pass and Clarence Drive have since been reopened.
Overstrand Municipal Manager Dean O’Neill confirmed operational and disaster management teams were on the ground throughout the week to provide sandbags to residents in areas experiencing localised flooding and removing trees, branches and other debris obstructing roads.
Areas in the Overstrand that suffered flooding included Betty’s Bay and Pringle Bay as well as informal settlements and Mooiuitsig in Kleinmond where damage to the roofs of a number houses were reported.
Theewaterskloof Executive Mayor Mary Liebenberg extended her heartfelt thanks to the Gift of the Givers, local businesses, stakeholders, community organisations and municipal departments “for coming together to support about 45 people currently sheltered in community halls in Greyton and Villiersdorp”.
She made special mention of the disaster management and operational teams as well as Eskom technicians who worked long hours in extremely adverse weather conditions to ensure the well-being of residents.
“We are dedicated to helping things return to normal as quickly as possible and providing ongoing support to those who have been affected by the storm.
“Our teams are actively working on recovery efforts and will continue to assist those in need. Thank you, everyone, for your resilience and commitment during this time.”
