Overstrand Flooding Status Update

Overstrand Flooding Status Update

OVERSTRAND FLOODING STATUS UPDATE
| 09 February 2026 @ 13:30

The Level 4 storm warning currently in effect remains active.
 
Heavy rainfall started after 12:00 in the Gansbaai/Stanford area, with various roads flooded. The stormwater pipes are unable to accommodate the floodwaters timiously and many properties are also flooded.

Operational teams, along with the fire department and law enforcement, are opening stormwater lines where needed, diverting water away from homes where possible, and distributing sandbags.

In Kleinmond/Betty’s Bay, water continues to run off the mountains, posing ongoing flood risks and mudslides.
In the Greater Hermanus area, there is an ongoing need for sandbags and assistance with water diversion.

Water Supply in Hawston
The main water pipe in Hawston has been damaged due to floodwater and water supply will be interrupted until 18:00. The repair is challenging and ERT may change.

Pump Stations
Sewer pump stations across the Overstrand are struggling with stormwater ingress and overflows. Warning signs will be installed where needed and water quality will be tested.
Emergency Contact
Disaster Management teams are actively assisting affected communities and remain on high alert. Continuous coordination is taking place across all towns. Please be patient, as the Emergency Control Room (028 312 2400) and Contact Centre (028 313 8111) are extremely busy, and help may not be immediate.

Fire
A wildfire has been reported in Buffelsjag, but the wet conditions have prevented the fire from spreading further.

Road Status
Our traffic officials are visible and roads are under continuous monitoring. Please drive carefully, reduce speed and maintain a safe following distance.
  • All major roads in the Overstrand remain open at this time.
  • R320 Hemel-en-Aarde has been reopened.
  • * Bergsig Street in Sandbaai has been reopened.
  • R44 Clarence Drive is open, but there is sand and rock on the road. The maintenance team is on-site.
  • Many smaller roads are flooded and closed.
  • Karwyderskraal/Boontjieskraal remains closed.
  • The R43 Stanford Bridge water is flowing freely.


OVERSTRAND FLOODING STATUS UPDATE
| 09 February 2026 @ 10:30

A Level 4 thunderstorm warning remains in place for the Overstrand area.

Heavy rainfall was recorded overnight and during the early morning hours. Unconfirmed rainfall measurements include:
  • Stanford-Gansbaai area: 25 – 30 mm
  • Hermanus CBD: 60 mm
  • Onrus: 80 mm
  • Fisherhaven and Hawston: 185 mm
  • Kleinmond: 90 mm

More rain is expected within the next hour on already saturated ground. This increases the risk of mudslides and localised flooding. Rainfall is expected to intensify around midday today.

Disaster Management and operational teams are on the ground, assisting with water diversion, opening infrastructure, and distributing sandbags where required.

Lower-lying areas are now expected to start taking in water, particularly in known flood hotspots.

Road Status
  • The R43 Kleinmond – Gansbaai remain open at this stage.
  • R320 Hemel-en-Aarde closed
  • Bergsig Street behind Whale Coast Mall  in Sandbaai closed
  • Many smaller roads are closed due to unsafe road surfaces.
Electricity Supply

Some areas are experiencing electricity outages after lightning. Residents are requested to report outages via the Collab Citizen App to help keep telephone lines open for emergency calls.

Emergency contact

The Emergency Control Room (028 312 2400) and Contact Centre (028 313 8111) are currently flooded with calls for assistance. While we understand the anxiety felt by residents, we ask for patience as we work through the list and respond to everyone in need of help.

Residents are urged to report incidents responsibly. Please note that multiple “urgent assistance” calls for the same incident have been received from different individuals, which places added pressure on emergency resources.

OVERSTRAND FLOODING STATUS UPDATE
| 09 February 2026 @ 06:00

The Joint Operations Centre was activated late last night, and continuous co-ordination is taking place with all towns.

Disaster Management and operational teams worked into the early hours of this morning, providing temporary relief where possible, particularly in the Hawston and Fisherhaven areas.

We remain on high alert as the new day begins.

Road Status
• No road closures have been reported on major routes at this stage. Motorists travelling to work are urged to exercise caution due to sand and rocks on the roads.
• Many smaller roads are closed due to unsafe road surfaces. Assessments will continue during daylight hours.

Electricity Supply
• Power supply was temporarily interrupted earlier, but has been restored

Be ready
• Please charge essential electronic devices and be prepared for possible power outages during severe weather.

Emergency contact
For emergencies, contact the 24-hour Fire & Rescue Emergency Control Room on 028 312 2400 or Contact Centre for infrastructure issues on 028 313 8111

OVERSTRAND FLOODING STATUS UPDATE 2
| 08 February 2026 @ 21:00

The predicted rainfall is spreading across the Overstrand, and our call centre (028 313 8111) and emergency control room (028 312 2400) are experiencing high volumes of calls.

We understand that people are panicking, but we are working according to a plan and will attend to everyone. Residents are urged to stay calm while emergency teams continue their work.

Road Status:
Overstrand Traffic Services has confirmed that the bridge between Onrus and Sandbaai is safe, contrary to rumours circulating on social media.
 
Please note: in times of disaster, such as heavy rain and flooding, everyone is understandably tense. Residents are urged not to spread or forward rumours if you are unsure of the facts, as emergency resources are already stretched assisting affected households.
 
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OVERSTRAND FLOODING STATUS UPDATE

| 08 February 2026 @ 20:30

The Fire & Rescue Emergency Control Room (028 312 2400) and the Municipal Services Contact Centre (028 313 8111) are currently experiencing exceptionally high call volumes due to residents requesting assistance with flooding in their homes.

Currently, multiple houses in Hawston are flooded.

Disaster Management Teams are moving from complaint to complaint, trying to help and assist affected households as quickly as conditions allow.

Traffic is on their way to assist at the Hawston traffic lights, and Law Enforcement assisted earlier today to fill 200 sandbags ready for distribution. Operational teams are ongoing to make sure the stormwater network is clean in known problem areas.

Residents are once again urged to be prepared for the predicted rainfall and localised flooding, as warned by SAWS.
 
Previous Water restrictions implemented in Pearly Beach

Mondays – Thursdays 07:45 – 13:00 & 13:30 – 16:30
Fridays 07:45 – 13:00 & 13:30 – 15:15 

Mon – Fri: 07:45 – 13:00 & 13:45 – 16:30
Cashiers: 08:00 -13:00 & 13:45 – 15:00

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