Western Cape storms: Residents ordered to evacuate as Kouga Dam overflows

Flooding has hit areas around the Kouga Dam. Picture: Kouga Municipality Mayor Hattingh Bornman/ Facebook Kouga Municipality Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman on Thursday issued an urgent call for residents in low-lying areas along the Gamtoos River to evacuate immediately, warning that the Kouga Dam has exceeded full capacity and is overflowing at an alarming rate. “The Kouga Dam is currently at 113% and overflowing extremely fast,” Bornman said.

He added that the evacuation request is being made as a precautionary measure. “We are asking as a precautionary measure for all people in low-lying areas on the Gamtoos River to please evacuate their residences as soon as possible.” The municipality says its teams are already on the ground to assist anyone who needs help during the evacuation. The municipality has identified several communities at serious risk, particularly those situated in low-lying terrain along the Gamtoos River and its surrounding valleys.

Residents in the following areas have been specifically requested to leave their homes without delay. “We are expecting big floods and this is a precautionary measure that we need to make sure that our residents are safe,” Bornman said. Two community halls have been opened to receive displaced residents.

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The Katrina Felix Hall in Thornhill and the Loerie Community Hall are both available as official evacuation shelters. “The Loerie Hall community hall as well as the Thornhill community hall will be available,” Bornman confirmed.

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