At least 14 people are still trapped in Gamkaskloof, as the roads leading up to their campsite are inaccessible due to overflowing rivers.
Also read: Over R16 million disaster grants allocated to WC storm damage
The group is trapped at a campsite hidden in the Swartberg mountain range.
Humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers says the recent heavy rains in the province blocked off the roads that lead to the campsite, and a helicopter was dispatched to deliver food and other essentials.
Gift of the Givers representative, Mario Ferreira, says evacuation will take some time.
‘It’s probably going to be a matter of weeks before people can get to them. Some people have been evacuated, overseas tourists so far, by ways of AMS helicopters.’
Ferreira told EWN that the organisation also received calls for assistance in Oudtshoorn. About 400 families were severely affected by the inclement weather.
‘We’ve distributed some blankets, hygiene packs, [and] food parcels to the people of Oudtshoorn this morning [Thursday]. We’re on our way now to De Rust, from there we will go to Dysseldorp. There are people in the Knysna area that also need assistance.’
Also read:
Tree-related incidents after storm surpass winter 2023 figures