Mudslide makes its way into home

Update

KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna motorists were urged to avoid the Old Cape Road leading up to Eastford after a mudslide happened last week.

The mudslide was the result of a burst pipe in Eastford the previous week.

Municipal officials repaired the burst pipe at the time, however, the leak sprung up again at around 22:00 on Wednesday 8 May. It quickly escalated into a mudslide which obstructed a dangerous bend on the road up to Simola. It also resulted in the mud flowing into the nearby home of a resident.

The response from Knysna Municipality at the time was, "We were aware that Old Cape Road was closed due to flooding caused by a pipe break, resulting in two cars becoming stuck. A TLB was dispatched to the scene, and Disaster Management was promptly informed".

Gift of the Givers were also at the scene, contributing to relief efforts. A team from Public Works was dispatched to clean inside and around the affected area, as well as to facilitate clearing operations.

A taxi got caught in the mudslide on Old Cape Road.

In an update issued on 14 May, the municipal spokesperson said, "The mudslide has been cleared, and the pipe break has since been fixed. Only one household was affected. Assistance was provided by the Public Works team in terms of cleaning and clearing in and around the affected area, and they also distributed a food parcel to the occupant. No furniture was damaged. The municipal insurance section was dispatched to assess the extent of the damage, and they are in contact with the occupant."

Gift of the Givers were on the scene the morning after the mudslide had occurred to monitor and ensure assistance for commuters and residents on the Old Cape Road bend.