KNYSNA NEWS - Several roads in the greater Knysna area have been temporarily closed following heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours, while municipal teams continue to monitor water, sanitation and electricity infrastructure under challenging conditions.
According to the latest municipal update, Knysna recorded 25mm of rain, the highest rainfall measurement in the region. Other areas included Rheenendal (20mm), Sedgefield (19mm), Karatara (16mm) and Buffalo Bay (14mm).
The persistent rain has resulted in localised flooding and waterlogged conditions, forcing the temporary closure of several roads to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians.
The affected roads are Marlin Road, Rawson Street, Hospital Street, Charlie Lavack Road, Howard Street at the golf course, and Handel Street between Main Road and Agnar Street.
Motorists have been advised to proceed with caution at the intersection of Main Road and Hedge Street, which remains open but could be affected by changing water levels and tidal conditions.
Municipal officials have warned that high tide, expected from 17:15, may contribute to further localised flooding in low-lying areas. Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel through flooded areas and to obey all road closure signs and instructions from traffic officials.
Water and sanitation services under pressure
Water treatment plants, pump stations and sewage systems in Sedgefield remain under pressure due to an ongoing Eskom power outage affecting the area.
The municipality said the Sedgefield generator remains fully operational and continues to support critical services. Municipal teams have also been dispatched to repair pipe breaks in the Bosuns and Sunridge areas.
Continuous monitoring of critical water and sanitation infrastructure is under way, with contingency measures being implemented where possible to maintain services.
Power outages continue
The Eskom electricity interruption affecting Sedgefield, Karatara and Brackenhill remains unresolved.
In Brackenhill, residents continue to experience power outages following vandalism of Eskom infrastructure.
The municipality said it remains in regular contact with Eskom and will communicate updates as they become available.
Emergency teams on standby
Municipal parks and emergency teams remain on standby, although no major incidents involving fallen trees have been reported. Officials responded to a report in Market Street, while emergency services also attended to a tree fire reported in Salt River.
Municipal halls remain closed but could be opened if accommodation or emergency assistance is required for affected residents.
Humanitarian relief
Humanitarian relief efforts are continuing, with the distribution of gunplast sheets and sandbags being co-ordinated through Emergency Services to assist vulnerable households affected by the adverse weather.
Refuse collection services remain unaffected by the wet conditions and are continuing according to schedule.
Traffic Services, Emergency Services and municipal teams are continuing to monitor conditions across the region, while mop-up and clean-up operations are ongoing.
Residents are encouraged to report emergencies to the municipality’s emergency contact numbers and to follow official municipal communication channels for further updates.
Emergency contact numbers
044 302 8911
WhatsApp: 060 998 6969
044 343 2900
WhatsApp: 060 998 7019
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