Despite
\nthe recent challenges experienced following the storm surge and high spring
\ntide in the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park on September
\n16, South African National Parks (SANParks) has released a statement to inform
\nthe public that the Storms River Mouth Rest Camp remains open.<\/p>\n
The
\nstatement, which was released on September 17, further said that the temporary
\nrestaurant structure within the Tsitsikamma National Park has unfortunately sustained
\nsevere damage and has been washed out by the storm surge.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile
\nthe restaurant remains closed, the park shop is open and operational at this
\nstage.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
All
\nguests on the Otter Trail have been successfully evacuated through designated
\nescape routes, ensuring their safety throughout the storm surge.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe
\nappreciate their cooperation and understanding during this challenging time.\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n
The
\nWaterfall hiking trail and the Mouth trails (suspension bridge) have been
\ntemporarily closed which was a decision made to ensure the safety of visitors.<\/p>\n
Nature’s
\nValley Camp remains temporarily closed due to flooding experienced on September
\n16.<\/p>\n
Park
\nmanagement is actively addressing the situation and conducting necessary
\nassessments.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe
\nare committed to reopening the camp as soon as it is safe to do so.\u201d<\/p>\n
The
\nWilderness and Knysna Sections of the Garden Route National Park have also been
\naffected by the storm surge and high spring tide with minimal damage to
\ninfrastructure.<\/p>\n
The
\nparks are accessible to the public and remain on high alert and park management
\nis currently assessing the damage.<\/p>\n
The
\nrecovery and restoration efforts in Tsitsikamma National Park are ongoing, with
\na dedicated team consisting of local authorities and support teams.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe
\nsafety of our visitors remains our highest priority.\u201d<\/p>\n
No
\ninjuries have been reported in the Garden Route National Park, however, members
\nof the public are urged to exercise caution when visiting this area and check
\nthe South African Weather Service for weather alerts and warnings.<\/p>\n