Relief and disaster management efforts continue in the Garden Route after intense stormy weather this week. Garden Route storm relief teams work to reach cut-off communities as rivers overflow and roads remain blocked.

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has kept at least 29 schools in the Eden and Central Karoo education districts closed on Friday, 8 May 2026. Officials cite ongoing storm damage and impassable access routes.

High Rainfall Triggers Widespread Flooding

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) reports that dams and rivers stayed above safe levels on Thursday. The Stompdrift Dam near Oudtshoorn reached 139% full.

Rainfall from Monday to Thursday broke records in several areas. Knysna’s Kleingrysbos recorded the highest total at 286.8 mm, followed by Deep walls at 285.6 mm and Newlands in Plettenberg Bay at 276.8 mm. These downpours flooded farms, cut off residents and affected routes through Calitzdorp Hot Springs to Gourits.

Infrastructure Damage and Service Disruptions

Eskom reports widespread unplanned power outages in Plettenberg Bay, Oudtshoorn and nearby areas. A major water pipeline from the Uniondale Dam washed away, so the George Municipality arranged alternative supplies.

Crews still cannot reach the Uplands water treatment plant in Plettenberg Bay, which provides about 80% of Bitou municipality’s water. High water levels block access.

Disaster Management Teams on the Ground

GRDM disaster management chief Gerhard Otto confirmed that teams reached Wittedrif near Plettenberg Bay. Residents there are safe but have no water or electricity. A group trapped at the Bergoord campsite near Oudtshoorn is also safe, though conditions prevent immediate extraction.

Otto added that the Ng route at Uniondale may open soon, but Meiringspoort outside De Rust will likely stay closed longer. “Unfortunately, the weather means we can’t fly and help the people yet,” he said about the standby helicopter ready for cut-off areas. Teams are checking for medical emergencies, food needs and road conditions.

Impacts on Parks, Campsites and Wildlife

SANParks closed the Nature’s Valley campsite in the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park and safely evacuated guests. In Knysna, staff shut the Thesen Island office after flooding and wind damage. Campers in Wilderness moved to formal accommodation, and the North Camp at Ebb and Flow closed.

At the Cango Wildlife Ranch in Oudtshoorn, staff moved vulnerable animals to safer ground on Wednesday as a precaution. The Grobbelaars River overflowed its banks by more than 60 m wide and 4.5 m high. A boundary wall and lemur island structures washed away overnight, but teams rescued all lemurs and flamingos.