KOUGA – Heavy rainfall has battered the Kouga region and parts of the Garden Route, triggering widespread flooding, road closures, landslides and fallen trees that have disrupted travel and forced evacuations across several areas.

The heavy rain follows the South African Weather Service’s Level 8 warning for disruptive rain in the Kouga and Kou-Kamma areas, valid from 5 May at 10:00 until 7 May at 23:59.

The South African Police Service urges motorists and pedestrians to avoid crossing flooded roads, streams and low-water bridges.

On the evening of 6 May, police spokesperson Captain Marius McCarthy said that bridges on the R332 between Patensie and Kwagga and the Baviaanskloof area are flooded and covered with debris.

In addition, he said that the following low-water bridges, namely Baviaans, Kouga, Andrieskraal, Kok Se Plaas and Vensterhoek, are all flooded.

Furthermore, McCarthy said that fallen trees are blocking the following roads in and around Thornhill: R62, R331 in Loerie, R102 between the Gamtoos River and Thornhill and the Loerie Road between Hankey and Thornhill.

“Residents and motorists are asked to be wary of fallen trees and debris when driving between Thornhill and Hankey. Reduce speed and be alert for debris, especially at night when hazards are harder to see,” said McCarthy.

Road closures

The Kouga Municipality has confirmed that the following roads have been closed from the morning of 7 May due to flooding and a landslide:

• Apiesdraai on Dolphin Drive is closed due to flooding.
• The Seekoei Estuary Causeway remains accessible to traffic at this stage.
• The R102 is closed between Thornhill and Gamtoos Bridge due to a landslide.

The municipality has also indicated that the Loerie low-water bridge is closed.

“Motorists are urged to use alternative routes and exercise caution during wet weather conditions,” the municipality said.

The municipality further thanked residents for their cooperation.

Garden Route

Nature’s Valley Camp in the Tsitsikamma Section of the Garden Route National Park has been temporarily closed due to persistent rainfall.

According to South African National Parks (SANParks) spokesperson JP Louw, all guests have been safely evacuated.

He further said that the Groot River Mouth at Nature’s Valley has opened naturally, allowing water to flow out of the camp.

Louw said that in the Knysna Section, the Thesen Island Office is closed due to strong winds and heavy rainfall.

He said that the front office experienced flooding, and the building has been affected by wind damage.

“Due to coastal surges and the incoming high tide, roads in low-lying areas near the Knysna Estuary may be closed,” said Louw.

He said that in the Wilderness Section, all campers have been relocated to formal accommodation facilities.

Louw further said that the North Camp at Ebb and Flow was closed and the Touw River Mouth and Swartvlei Mouth were artificially opened on 7 May to manage rising water levels.

“All hiking, cycling and water-based activities remain suspended,” said Louw.

He said that SANParks teams, in coordination with Disaster Management agencies, are deployed across affected areas.

Louw said that damage to infrastructure is to be assessed as soon as weather conditions allow.

“All sections of the Garden Route National Park remain under close monitoring, with restricted access due to flooding and related impacts,” said Louw.

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