KOUGA – Flooding continues to wreak havoc across the Kouga municipal area and beyond, with the NSRI St Francis Bay issuing an urgent warning to stay away from the Kromme River, its estuary, and the Kromme River Mouth as heavy rainfall drives strong, debris-laden flows from as far upstream as Tsitsikamma into the sea.
NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon said that NSRI St Francis Bay, in cooperation with local marine operators and Kouga Municipality, South African Police Service (SAPS) and the emergency services, is appealing for caution in and around the Kromme River, estuary and Kromme River Mouth.
He said that heavy rainfalls are affecting the Kromme River from upstream, from Tsitsikamma to the river mouth in St Francis Bay, with flooding in places, strong and swollen river flows, and natural debris flowing downriver and into the sea.
“We are appealing to bathers, boaters, surfers and the public in general to exercise caution and to stay safe, avoiding launching boats, sports activities and swimming along the Kromme River and safety around the Kromme River Mouth,” said Lambinon.
He said that people should not attempt to cross roadways and bridges submerged by floodwater in all areas affected by heavy rainfall.
Lambinon advised people to stay safe and exercise caution along the coastline during storm seas.
He said that NSRI, Police, DRM (Disaster Risk Management), Municipal Services and the emergency services are on high alert during heavy rainfalls affecting the area on 8 May and at times over the next week.
“We are appealing to the public to follow South African Weather Service (SAWS) weather alerts and weather warnings and to monitor local municipal warnings and alerts that are regularly posted in the interests of public safety,” said Lambinon.
Patensie Bridge
The municipality has advised that the Department of Transport’s R331 Patensie Bridge is currently inaccessible and has sustained severe damage due to the recent floods.
“The floodwaters have caused significant structural and road surface damage, resulting in unsafe conditions for all road users,” the municipality said.
Motorists and members of the public are strongly urged not to attempt to use the affected section.
As the R331 is a Provincial Road under the Department of Transport, the municipality has indicated that the matter has been formally escalated for urgent intervention, assessment, and support.
Furthermore, engagement has been requested to ensure that communication is issued regarding suitable alternative routes to be utilised while the bridge and surrounding road infrastructure remain inaccessible.
“The public will continue to be updated as further information becomes available,” the municipality said.
“We appreciate your patience, cooperation, and understanding during this period.”
Urgent appeal for animal feed donations
According to the municipality, the devastating floods in the Kouga municipal area, and especially the Gamtoos Valley, have left many farming communities and animal owners facing heartbreaking losses and severe challenges.
“Countless animals are now in desperate need of feed as livelihoods have been washed away and supplies destroyed,” the municipality said.
The municipality is appealing to the public, farmers, businesses, organisations, and animal lovers to assist with donations of animal feed, lucerne and hay, pellets and dry feed and any livestock feed supplies.
The municipality has said that every bag of feed can help save animals and support struggling families during this crisis.
Small feed drop-off points:
Newton Hall – Jeffreys Bay
Humansdorp Fire Station
St Francis Fire Station
For more information about small feed donations contact Elvina Felix on 067 108 5895.
Large feed drop-off point:
Crossways – Thornhill
For more information about large feed donations contact Grant Puttergill on 083 651 8775.
“Please open your hearts and help us support the Gamtoos Valley farming community during this difficult time. No donation is too small,” the municipality said.
South African National Parks (SANParks)
SANParks spokesperson JP Louw said that in the Tsitsikamma Section, conditions have improved as rainfall and strong winds have subsided.
He said that water levels at the Groot River in Nature’s Valley have dropped, and debris clearing at the bridge is underway.
“The temporary restaurant structure at the Storms River Mouth Rest Camp is temporarily closed after being covered by foam caused by flooding conditions. All hiking trails and water-based activities remain suspended,” said Louw.
He further said that Nature’s Valley Camp in the Tsitsikamma Section of the Garden Route National Park remains closed while teams assess the extent of the damage and continue with mop-up operations.
“SANParks teams and stakeholders are working tirelessly to restore access, repair infrastructure damage, and ensure the safety of staff, visitors, and neighbouring communities across the Garden Route National Park,” said Louw.
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