Garden Route flooding causes school closures and evacuations

The Western Cape Government has confirmed that at least one person has died, health facilities have been affected, and more than 120 schools remain closed as severe weather continues to batter parts of the province. Speaking at the Provincial Disaster Management Centre on Thursday, Acting PremierIvan Meyersaid the province’s response has been guided by a clear priority: “to save lives, save property and also animals”. “We have had thus far one loss of life… we express our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues,” Meyer said, confirming the death of a Western Cape Government employee in Knysna.

The update follows a Level 8 weather warning issued by theSouth African Weather Serviceearlier this week, withthe worst impacts having been recorded in the Garden Route and parts of the Central Karoo. the worst impacts having been recorded in the Garden Route and parts of the Central Karoo Authorities said while the warning has since been downgraded, conditions remain dangerous, with ongoing risks of flooding, mudslides, and infrastructure damage. Head of disaster managementColin Deinersaid several communities remain cut off, while major roads have been flooded, disrupting traffic and emergency access.

“We are still seeing a potential for localised flooding… some communities that are cut off… and major disruption to traffic flow due to roads being flooded,” Deiner said. The storm has also impacted essential services. Officials confirmed that clinics in parts of the Karoo remain closed, while facilities in Knysna and Bitou have been affected but are still operational.

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Education has been among the hardest hit sectors, with widespread school closures implemented as a preventative measure. Disaster management teams said 128 schools across high-risk areas were closed after authorities mapped flood-prone routes and transport networks. “Life safety always comes first…the decision that was made was to close these schools,” officials said, adding that more schools could remain shut depending on conditions. the decision that was made was to close these schools

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