First fire and now floods… that’s what Overberg residents had to endure at the beginning of this year.
On Sunday evening a level-4 weather warning was issued and on Monday the storm warning remained active. “Residents are advised that the South African Weather Service has issued weather warnings for the Overberg Municipal area, relating to severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall over the next two days.”
On Monday the Overstrand Municipality (OM) received more than 350 emergency calls as heavy rainfall overwhelmed stormwater systems across multiple wards. “The OM is maintaining round-the-clock emergency operations as flooding continues to impact communities across the region,” OM Municipal Manager Dean O’ Neill said, “with response teams distributing more than 1 000 sandbags and fielding hundreds of calls for assistance following heavy rainfall.”
After a demanding day of emergency response work Overstrand Mayor Archie Klaas visited the Joint Operations Centre (JOC) to motivate officials. He said the JOC would remain fully operational as more rain is forecast. He also assured residents that the response teams remained deployed and were closely monitoring conditions as assessments and response operations continued.
In Stanford the bridge was under close surveillance, with water from outer catchment areas expected to flow down the mountain on Tuesday, potentially exacerbating existing flood conditions.
The Gansbaai and Stanford areas experienced the most severe impact, with heavy rainfall causing flooding at several homes and businesses. Rainfall estimates ranged between 90 and 110 ml, although these figures awaited verification.
“Most localised flooding has since subsided,” O’Neill said, “indicating stormwater infrastructure was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of rainfall rather than being blocked by debris. Maintenance teams continue clearing roads and catchpits, with crews remaining on standby overnight.”To page 2.
According to O’Neill the main areas of concern remain Fisherhaven, Hawston and the low-lying informal settlement of Zwelihle. “Hawston has experienced widespread damage to households and infrastructure, including damage to the main water pipeline caused by flood waters.”
In the Kleinmond area calls for assistance decreased on Monday evening, though response teams remained on high alert due to continued risk of mudslides and water flow from the mountain.
Theewaterskloof Municipality
More than 185 mm of rain was measured at some locations in the Theewaterskloof municipal area, which also led to flooding. Botrivier was probably the hardest hit by the floods, and Theewaterskloof Municipality was widely criticised for the condition of the stormwater pipes and roads. In a video on social media one can see how some of the shops and houses in Botrivier are flooded. “Yes, in this video you can see the hopelessly incompetent Theewaterskloof Municipality,” commented one resident on a Facebook page. “The Railway Station, Laurenbosch, Bot River Lodge and Manny’s get flooded. And why? Because the roads in Bot River are in a dismal condition, with zero town planning or rather say lack of engineering and common sense. People and Transnet should start suing TWK. The entity that did the roads has zero competency. The rain is not the the excuse; this happens year after year in winter, and if you ask TWK to help they will say it’s Transnet property. Now who’s at fault here?”
Another reader noted Theewaterskloof Mayor was “missing in action”. “If you look at Hermanus you see how the Mayor is involved,” she said, “but we don’t hear anything from our Mayor, nor do the councillors support their residents.”
Grateful
But like any other national disaster residents and municipal workers went the extra mile to lighten the burden. The manager of Herberg on See Home for the Elderly, Lynette Andrews thanked all who responded to the facility’s call for help on Monday. She said: “Your swift action, generosity and solidarity reminded us once again of the strength and compassion that defines our community. The donation of sandbags, tireless support from neighbours, family, friends and the rapid intervention of the Overstrand Municipality, Fire Department and Disaster Management team from Hermanus made an immeasurable difference in safeguarding our residents and staff. We are deeply moved by the way you rallied together in our time of need.”
In a video circulating on social media someone can be seen “street surfing” the streets of Fisherhaven. “The video made me smile during these difficult times,” someone commented.
Roads
At the time of going to press the Klein River was rising, but according to O’Neill at a “normal” water level, with water flowing under the bridge. Other problems in the area were the empty Hawston reservoir, which did not fill up during the night as anticipated, and water tankers are being dispatched where affected households could collect water.
Confirmed road closures:
• Uitsig – Caledon (Low Bridge);
• Hemel-en-aarde Road – Between Caledon and Hermanus;
• Boontjieskraal Road that connects to the R43;
• Karwyderskraal Road
Sir Lowry’s Pass and the Botrivier Bridge on the N2 remains open, but motorists are asked to be extra vigilant due to rising water levels. Provincial Traffic officials are on site monitoring conditions.
Motorists are warned against fake news going around with road closures at the Bot River Bridge on the N2. These are old reports and should not be shared.
Help needed
According to the Overstrand Deputy Mayor Elnora Gillion Hawston and Fisherhaven households were severely impacted by heavy rain with many homes flooded and no dry areas remaining. “In light of this residents are urged to assist with donations of warm food, blankets, towels and pet food. The drop-off points are Hawston Thusong Centre and OK Minimarket, Onrus.”
