Heavy rainfall has left many parts of the city of George underwater. However, the weather appears to have eased as residents are set to enjoy warm and better conditions following the torrential rainstorm.
Authorities are currently assessing the damage that the heavy downpour has caused, with severe flooding in parts of the Garden Route at the top of the list, reports News24.
Countless videos have been making the rounds on social media showcasing how the rains have affected roads within the city and low-lying areas. Along with this, residents state that the downpour has resulted in continued power cuts and water outages. Clinics also appeared to have been affected by the rains, but despite this, George Municipality has stated that they will resume services, reports IOL.
According to the Municipality, George’s Electrotechnical Services Directorate is working on repairs after the rainstorm and flooding caused severe damage to the city’s power network. Extensive damage to the water and stormwater infrastructure has also been noted, however, water trucks have been placed in various areas to ensure that residents have clean drinking water, say authorities.
With regards to damage to the city’s power network, George Municipality spokesperson Debra Sauer states: “This will result in consumers having very low voltages, and some no power at all. The team is busy fault finding and should have an idea of what is wrong within the next hour.”
Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC Anton Bredell also had something to say regarding the disaster.
“I want to thank all the emergency responders, disaster officials and municipal officials for their leadership and hard work over the past two days. Their efforts made a huge difference and we are grateful to see the impact of the storm was much less severe than originally thought.”
“The pre-season work in the various river mouths leading to the ocean made a difference as the large volumes of water is rapidly flowing away. In addition, we are very happy to note that the largest dams in the region are overflowing, including the new Garden Route Dam, which is overflowing for the first time in years,” he added.
While Bredell has indicated that the Southern Cape will be ready for the holiday period as holidaymakers eagerly wait to make their way to the region for the December season, authorities are urging travellers to be extra cautious when heading towards or through these areas.
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Picture: Storm Report SA