The full impact of the storms affecting the West Coast has been felt particularly hard in the Swartland over the past 12 to 24 hours.
Strong winds across the Swartland on from Sunday, 10 May, resulted in several fallen trees throughout the municipal area. This caused a number of localised power outages, affecting mainly Malmesbury and Moorreesburg.
The continued heavy rainfall on Monday led to severe flooding in Malmesbury and Kalbaskraal during the afternoon and evening. The Dieprivier was in full flood, with water reaching Bokomo Way on one side and the adjacent sports grounds on the other. Several businesses along Bokomo Way suffered flood damage, and the taxi rank located in Bokomo Way was temporarily closed.
Kalbaskraal has experienced severe flooding. Emergency and rescue services are on site and are actively assisting residents. One evacuation has been confirmed, with the affected residents being accommodated by family members. The NSRI is also on site, assisting residents alongside Swartland Fire and Rescue Services. A local church has been made available to provide temporary shelter for residents in need.
Several informal structures in Malmesbury were damaged by strong winds on Monday. The situation of affected residents was assessed, and assistance was provided in line with the municipality’s existing policies.
Flooding of the Dieprivier has also resulted in an extended power outage in the Dalsig neighbourhood of Malmesbury due to submerged electrical infrastructure. Swartland Municipality technicians have been working diligently, and the majority of power was restored to Dalsig at around lunchtime.
Riverlands, Chatsworth, Darling and Yzerfontein reported minor damage, mostly as a result of the extreme winds experienced on Monday. Swartland Fire and Rescue Services assisted where possible. No flooding was reported in Riverlands. The remedial work undertaken by the Department of Water and Sanitation to safeguard the community has performed well under the current wet weather conditions.
Various roads in and around the towns are currently closed or operating with limited access. Road closures include:
Many roads are covered in mud and debris. We urge all road to drive carefully, and to not cross flooded bridges especially in smaller vehicles as it poses a significant safety risk.
Clean-up work has already started in all towns and as water levels continue to go down municipal teams from all departments teams will be working hard to restore and clean up the damaged caused by the storm.
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