News

The Overberg welcomed clear skies from early this morning and are very grateful for it. 

Our fatalities now stand at three (3) persons. Our deepest condolences to their families during these difficult times.  A Medivac operation, this morning, was required to airlift critical ill patients (not related to the floods) to Cape Town.

Rescue efforts continues throughout the Overberg.  The majority of the rescue efforts are focussed on reaching persons in need of medical assistance in water isolated areas, responding to the needs of displacement communities and even, assisting farmers with the location of their livestock.  Isolated towns and communities are low on water and food supplies.  Every effort is being made to reach them with replenishments.   

The focus is now on the Breede river area: Malgas, Diepkloof and Infanta.  The river has risen to above the June 2023 levels and still rising. The groups around the river are well organised and remain in contact with the Disaster Management centre that stand ready to respond if needed.

Due to a truly mammoth (or “MacGyver”) effort our Eskom technicians have been able to establish power to large parts of the Overberg, but still certain areas have now been without electricity since Saturday evening, efforts to restore power are ongoing.  This is still affecting our connectivity across the Overberg.

Humanitarian assistance is ongoing in all regions of the Overberg.  Local communities are assisting the local Municipal efforts and we are very grateful to them.  All spheres of government are involved and assisting with these efforts.

The Provincial and District roads departments are working around the clock to assess, clear and repair roads. About 40 roads are still closed other than the main roads.  The support from the local landusers is much appreciated. Please check the local municipal (Theewaterskloof, Overstrand, Swellendam and Cape Agulhas) Facebook pages for the latest information.

The damage to water infrastructure is a challenge for all the municipalities. Again, all efforts are being made to maintain uninterrupted basic services delivery.   

We received several requests to comment on the extent of damages. In summary, till all roads (& bridges) and crop reports can be made we will not be able to give the answers.  We received the following feedback from our representative from Agri Western Cape:

• Sheep losses.
• Pumps, and agriculture equipment either lost or damage.
• Landslides, erosion damage to cultivated lands and the environment.
• Damage to agriculture crops is only guess work for now:
  • Access to lands to be able to harvest – damage roads and waterlogged fields.
  • Losses and impact can only be determined when the water levels subside.

We want to end this release with complimenting and recognising our disaster management services and first responders.

Reinard Geldenhuys
Manager: Emergency Services
Overberg District Municipality
Email: rgeldenhuys@odm.org.za

End of report