Yesterday was a bad day for the whole of the Western Cape Province, and it is not over yet, as the predicted rainfall and winds will continue today.
In addition, water will be flowing down from the mountains, which will increase water levels, and the probability of flooding remains high.
Most cellphone networks are down, and communication is limited. It seems that internet connectivity is slowly coming back online in Hermanus.
Electricity
The most pressing issue at this stage is widespread power outages affecting the Overstrand municipal area. The latest update received from Eskom is that teams have returned to assess access for the replacement of a broken pole on the Afdaks/Hawston 66kV line.
Charging phones
Residents are welcome to charge their devices at the Onrus Electrical Department, the Hermanus Fire Station, and the main municipal offices in Gansbaai, Kleinmond, and Stanford while generators are operational. Please clearly mark your phones, plugs, and cables.
Municipal Offices
Communication networks are down at the Hermanus, Gansbaai, and Kleinmond municipal administration offices, as well as at the external buildings of the Hermanus Administration.
The rates halls at the respective municipal offices have sustained water damage, and cashiers are unable to process transactions. Client services also do not have access to the system and are therefore unable to operate.
Traffic services
Licensing and registration services remain operational in Gansbaai, Hermanus and Kleinmond
The vehicle testing station (roadworthy) and driving licence testing centre in Hermanus is open
Community Halls
Most community halls will be used for emergency accommodation should families be displaced. Normal outreach services, such as SASSA and Indigent Grant support, will not be able to proceed as originally scheduled.
Waste Management
Services will continue as per the normal Tuesday schedule in all areas.
Roads
All main roads and routes remain open at this stage. Please treat all non-functioning traffic lights as four-way stops.
Donations
If you are able to assist by providing warm meals or soup, please contact the Overstrand Disaster Management logistics team for donation coordination. They are situated at the Hermanus Fire Station in Mussel Road.
