As heavy rainfall continues to sweep through the Garden Route region, the effects are being felt acutely, with mudslides and significant road closures disrupting daily life, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The Mossel Bay Municipality has mobilised teams from Town Planning as well as Fire, Rescue, and Disaster Management to assess the damage and monitor conditions in the wake of severe weather warnings.
Earlier today (Wednesday), a mudslide was reported at a development site located between Menkenkop and Renosterbos in Hartenbos Heuwels, prompting immediate action from local authorities.
The Mossel Bay Fire, Rescue, and Disaster Management teams responded swiftly to an incident on Jakarandal Avenue in Hartenbos where a large tree had fallen, blocking the road. Fortunately, the tree has since been cleared, and efforts to clean the road surface are underway.
Residents are urged to remain indoors wherever possible during these adverse weather conditions and to limit unnecessary travel. The situation remains fluid, with all relevant departments on standby as continuous monitoring across the municipality is in effect.
In a related development, the Garden Route District Municipality reported a closure of the N2 at Brenton on Sea in Knysna, highlighting the need for motorists to remain vigilant.
Meanwhile, the Western Cape Mobility Department has announced that the Meiringspoort is also closed due to ongoing flooding.
Motorists needing to travel between the Garden Route and the Karoo are advised to take alternative routes, specifically the N9 from George through to Uniondale, Willowmore, and Aberdeen, before connecting to the R61 towards Beaufort West.
As inclement weather affects various parts of the province, authorities are urging all road users to exercise extreme caution.
Spokesperson Muneera Allie emphasised the importance of adjusting driving behaviour in response to the hazardous conditions: ‘Please reduce speed, increase your following distance to allow for safer stopping, and ensure your headlights are switched on to improve visibility. Wet roads significantly reduce traction, so avoid sudden braking or sharp turns,’
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