Drakenstein Municipality’s (DM) emergency services and disaster management teams remain on high alert as heavy rainfall and strong winds continue to batter the region.
The South African Weather Service has extended its advisory for “very cold, wet and windy conditions” until today (12 May), while municipal teams continue responding to weather-related incidents across the municipal area.
According to the municipality, its disaster management plan “remains fully activated” with municipal teams and key partners deployed to ensure residents’ safety.
Response measures currently underway include the distribution of sandbags in flood-prone areas, the clearing of uprooted trees and debris, and efforts to restore electricity supply in affected communities.
Localised flooding
Localised flooding has been reported at several properties in Paarl, Wellington, Newton and Simondium.
In Mbekweni, 17 residents from the Thembani informal settlement were evacuated after flooding affected the area. They have temporarily been accommodated at the Mbekweni Community Hall.
In Gouda, the canal feeding into the Klein Berg River is reportedly filling rapidly. As a precautionary measure, nearby families have been temporarily relocated.
“At this stage no lives are at risk, and the situation is being closely monitored,” the municipality said.
The municipality added that the temporary relocations followed full assessments conducted together with ward councillors in the affected areas.
Some municipal rental stock and sports fields have also been affected by flooding, although all municipal infrastructure remains intact.
Municipal teams have meanwhile attended to several weather-related incidents. The parks section removed a tree that had been uprooted and fallen onto a structure in Simondium, while the stormwater section responded to a blocked canal in Dalweide, Paarl.
Stormwater teams also cleared blockages at various locations, including Westhoven Street, Distillery Street, Drommedaris Street, Triangle Park and Ambagsvallei in Paarl, as well as Pentz Street, Versaille Street and Malherbe Street in Wellington.
Major routes closed
Several major routes remain closed due to dangerous conditions.
Bainskloof Pass has been closed following a rockfall, while Distillery Street in Paarl is inaccessible due to flooding.
The Huguenot Tunnel and Plaza on the N1, between the tunnel and Du Kloof Lodge, have also been closed. Du Toitskloof Pass (R101) remains shut because of mudslides.
Motorists have been urged to avoid affected areas, make use of alternative routes and not attempt to bypass closure points.
The municipality further appealed to road users to “exercise extreme caution when travelling in wet and windy conditions” by driving slowly, keeping headlights on and maintaining a safe following distance.
Franschhoek is also experiencing heavy flooding, including in Main- and Green Valley Road.
Electricity outages
The DM’s electro-technical engineering teams are attending to electricity outages in several areas, including parts of Wellington, Klein Drakenstein farms along Keerweder Road, Vlakkeland, Windmeul, Simondium and the Drakenstein Correctional Centre.
The municipality thanked residents for their “patience and understanding while teams work to restore services as safely and quickly as possible”.
Certain parts of Klapmuts is also without electricity.
Remain vigilant
Residents have been advised to remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel during the adverse weather conditions.
The municipality has urged residents to check roofs for leaks or loose tiles, stay away from flooded roads and fast-flowing water, and ensure essential devices remain charged in the event of power outages.
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Emergencies and incidents can be reported to the municipality’s toll-free emergency number on 080 131 3553.
