It was a busy long weekend for the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) as a major storm hit South African shores, wreaking havoc across the province.
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Early on Monday morning, NSRI Hermanus and NSRI Kleinmond mobilised resources to join traffic services, SA Police services, community policing forums, disaster risk management, the mayor’s offices, WC Government Health EMS, law enforcement, fire and rescue services, community and neighbourhood groups, and municipal authorities to evacuate residents in areas around the Klein River, Stanford and parts of Hermanus.
In Stanford, at least 46 residents, including adults, the elderly, children, a parrot and domestic animals, were safely evacuated from houses and buildings affected by the Klein River that burst its banks during heavy downpours since Sunday evening and into the daybreak of Monday.
Shelter, medications, supplies and some hospitalisations were carried out during Monday, which saw all affected people safely relocated to shelters and safe areas.
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NSRI Hermanus returned to Stanford after leaving the scene late on Monday to evacuate two additional households that had experienced flooding during the day.
NSRI Kleinmond attempted to reach Caledon, where flooding occurred, but was unable to after encountering numerous roadways and passes cut off by flooding.
However, it’s been made apparent that SA Police Services, SAPS Water Policing and Dive Services, fire and rescue services, disaster risk management, the mayor’s office, WC Government Health EMS, law enforcement, community and neighbourhood groups and municipal authorities managed to evacuate residents in areas in and around Caledon.
NSRI Kleinmond remained on alert for the severely flooded Palmiet River.
NSRI Strandfontein was placed on alert to assist at Stanford but was not mobilised.
Two JetRibs and Jet-Skis, floating stretchers and NSRI rescue swimmers were used at Stanford, making it possible for residents and animals to be safely transferred across flood waterways.
Unfortunately, the toll on the inboard impellers of the rescue craft has resulted in them requiring substantial repairs, but stations remain on alert with alternative resources to respond to emergencies in cooperation with the police and emergency services.
On Monday afternoon,NSRI Strandfontein was activated by City of Cape Town (CoCT) Law Enforcement to evacuate residents in areas of Macassar where flooding was extensive.
In total, 71 residents, including adults, the elderly and children, two pregnant females (one of whom was transported to the hospital by EMS ambulance in stable condition), and domestic animals were safely evacuated. A further 56 people and domestic animals were sheltered at Macassar Community Centre.
Dr. Cleeve Robertson, NSRI CEO, said that it is heartwarming to see everyone pull together during this trying time and successfully avoid fatalities, injuries and casualties.
‘Our thoughts are with all those displaced and affected by the severe weather conditions,’ he said.
NSRI, police and emergency services resources are braced to help those in need during the heavy rainfalls being experienced in the Southern Cape and towards the Eastern Cape on Tuesday.
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Picture: NSRI