KOUGA – The Gamtoos Ferry Hotel has flooded as the Kouga Municipality announced on 8 May that emergency services are busy with urgent evacuations in the Gamtoos area after the river burst its banks.
The municipality further said that the R102 is flooded as far as Mondplaas, with no accessible entry points.
“Residents are urged to avoid the area completely. Conditions remain extremely dangerous,” the municipality said.
The municipality has also advised that residents cooperate with emergency teams and move to safety where instructed.
Images and video footage of the flooded Gamtoos Ferry Hotel began circulating on social media on the morning of 8 May.
On 7 May, the municipality issued an urgent evacuation order for the Gamtoos Valley as the Kouga Dam exceeded full capacity, sitting at 113%, resulting in a serious flood risk to surrounding communities.
On the same day, the municipality also instructed residents in low-lying areas along the Kromme River to evacuate immediately as a precautionary measure after the Impofu Dam overflowed for the first time in 11 years.
The municipality said that large volumes of water were still expected to flow into the dam system overnight, with water levels in the Kromme River anticipated to rise by between 3 and 5 metres.
“Kouga Local Municipality strongly urges residents not to wait until conditions worsen before moving to safety. While the exact rise in water levels cannot yet be predicted, every precaution is being taken to protect lives and ensure the safety of all affected communities,” the municipality said.
Residents who do not have access to alternative accommodation are requested to contact the Kouga Call Centre urgently on 042 200 2200 for assistance with temporary shelter arrangements.
“Please remain alert, cooperate with emergency officials, and prioritise your safety and that of your family,” the municipality said.
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