Rescue teams in the Overberg are searching for three people who have gone missing during severe flooding over the past weekend.
Also read: CoCT mayor declares destructive storm a major incident
Reinard Geldenhuys, Overberg disaster management manager, says one other person was retrieved from floods in Botrivier.
‘Unfortunately, the tally of people missing and presumed dead in this flood has now gone up to three, so that’s three people that drowned. At the moment, the river levels are dropping in most of the Overberg, but the Breede River is increasing rapidly.’
He adds that many houses in the region were underwater and that some areas were inaccessible.
‘We have rescue teams on standby should they be needed. We are also busy with several rescues at the moment with people trapped on the wrong side of rivers.’
As per EWN, the roofs of several homes, schools and businesses were dislodged, and windows have been shattered by gusting winds. Emergency workers are working to clear uprooted trees and restore power in areas that have been cut off.
In a statement posted by Overberg District Municipality, Geldenhuys says that isolated towns and communities are low on water and food supplies.
‘Every effort is being made to reach them with replenishments. Rescue efforts continue throughout the Overberg. The majority of the rescue efforts are focussed on reaching persons in need of medical assistance in water-isolated areas, responding to the needs of displacement communities and even, assisting farmers with the location of their livestock.’
The municipality is now focusing on the Breede River area, comprising Malgas, Diepkloof and Infanta.
‘The river has risen to above the June 2023 levels and still rising. The groups around the river are well organised and remain in contact with the Disaster Management Centre that stands ready to respond if needed.’
Also read:
Sea Rescue Institute kept busy by major storm in Western Cape
