馃嚳馃嚘South AfricaSouthern Africa
Western and Eastern Cape experience severe weather, mudslides, and flooding
via The Citizen2 min read
The Western and Eastern Cape provinces have been impacted by mudslides, rockfalls, road closures, electricity outages, and flooding, leading to the closure of schools this week. In Bitou, Western Cape, a Mercedes-Benz was reported half-submerged, and residents were warned to avoid the municipal office on St. Patrick鈥檚 Avenue due to a lifted septic tank. Mudslides along the R340 between Wittedrift and Plettenberg have closed the road, isolating Wittedrift. Healthcare service routes in Herold, George, and Uniondale were canceled from June 3 to June 5, 2026, due to unsafe roads. The Knysna Municipality has closed several roads due to localized flooding, and water treatment facilities in Sedgefield are under pressure from ongoing Eskom power outages. Flooding has been reported at the Groot River Bridge and low-lying areas, with the Kalanderkloof River overflowing. Rockfalls and a landslide in the Western Pass have created hazardous travel conditions, leading to the suspension of emergency operations. Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, adhere to road closure signs, and stay alert for hazards. Stormy weather is expected to clear towards the weekend, with schools reopening on Friday, and partly cloudy conditions with isolated to scattered rain anticipated for Friday and Saturday.
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