Severe storms cause evacuations and road closures in Eastern and Western Cape

Severe weather conditions sweeping across parts of the Eastern Cape and Western Cape have wreaked havoc, leading to evacuations, flooded roads, and multiple major route closures, with authorities warning motorists and residents to exercise extreme caution.

In the Gamtoos area, residents were evacuated on Wednesday evening as heavy rainfall caused rapidly rising water levels and dangerous conditions in surrounding low-lying areas. 

In Nelson Mandela Bay, authorities have confirmed multiple road closures due to flooding in Kariega and surrounding suburbs.

Affected intersections include Roswell Gradwell and North Street in Mosel, as well as Graaff-Reinet Road and Channer. In Newton Park, the Third Avenue dip has also been closed due to water accumulation.

Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes, including Caledon Street, Market Street, Durban Street, Cannon Street, Cape Road, Fifth Avenue, and the William Moffett Expressway, depending on their direction of travel.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has urged residents to avoid all flooded roads and not attempt to walk or drive through moving water. Emergency services remain on high alert as conditions continue to develop.

Officials also confirmed that the De Mist Canal is nearing capacity, with strong water flow being closely monitored. The Jubilee Canal, while currently stable, is also under observation as rainfall continues.

Meanwhile, authorities across the Garden Route, West Coast, Overberg, Cape Winelands, and Central Karoo districts have reported extensive road closures, including several mountain passes and rural routes.

Affected routes include Meiringspoort, Swartberg Pass, Franschhoek Pass, Bainskloof Pass, Seweweekspoort, and parts of the R43 and R43-linked regional roads.

The closures have disrupted travel across large parts of the province, with officials warning that additional routes may be closed if conditions worsen.

Motorists are being urged to plan, use alternative routes where possible, and avoid all low-water bridges, rivers, and flooded crossings.

IOL