ICC UPDATE 4_STORM WEATHER (11 May 2026 @ 13.15)

Power interruption

Following widespread power interruptions across the Overstrand municipal area caused by storm-related weather, the latest update from Eskom is as follows for Eskom direct customers: We have identified the fault, which is a broken pole and cross-arm located in the mountain. There is an access issue, and we are arranging a special team from Cape Town to assist. I will keep you updated on the progress, as this is a difficult situation.

Overstrand Municipality direct customers are affected by this morning’s power outage in the Stanford, Gansbaai, Hawston, Hermanus and Kleinmond areas, as the 66 kV Afdaks / Hawston lines are out of service.

There has been significant damage to the municipal electrical network, specifically the overhead infrastructure. Conditions are currently not favourable for repairs, and work is being prioritised as reports come in. The safety of the community and municipal staff remains the highest priority at this stage. Repairs will be undertaken when it is safe to do so.

No estimated time of restoration is yet known.

Main Roads

Main roads remain open; however, they can close on short notice

Traffic officials continue to monitor high-risk areas and road conditions.

Municipal teams remain on site clearing fallen trees, mudslides, and storm debris.

Donations

As per usual, the Overstrand Municipality Disaster Management logistics team is active and coordinating donations as and when required.

Thank you to all who are organising themselves to ensure that the most vulnerable have something warm to eat or drink. Many churches have already put arrangements in place and can be contacted directly. Please bear in mind that there is currently no electricity, and affected residents are unable to prepare their own meals. Soup kitchens and other NGOs are therefore unable to cook food at this stage if they are dependent on Eskom power.

The following items are always in need:

• Blankets
• Towels
• Baby essentials
• Toiletries

Drop-offs can be made at the respective fire stations as usual. The main drop-off point at Hermanus Fire Station in Mussel Road is open 24/7. The Disaster Management telephone number for donation-related information only is 028 313 8941.

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ICC UPDATE 2: STORM WEATHER
| 11 May 2026 : 09:145

Municipal operational teams and disaster management personnel are actively clearing obstructions and debris across all towns within the Overstrand area, and responding to incidents as quickly as possible.

Tree branches, signage and roofing material are being blown around by strong winds. Residents are urged to remain extremely cautious and vigilant.

Multiple formal and informal structures have sustained damage. Reported damage includes roofs and solar panels being blown away due to the strong winds.

Across the municipal area, multiple trees/branches have been blown over, and motorists are urged to remain vigilant and reduce speed.

Schools within the Overstrand remain operational at this stage.

Electricity

There are widespread power outages across Overstrand. Eskom teams have been notified, and we suspect the issue may involve one of the main Eskom cables.

Update from Eskom @ 08:45: The team is en route to the site (Hawston/Afdaks), as a number of 66kV breakers have tripped, affecting many areas across the Overberg region.

Roads

There are currently no major road closures; however, traffic officials continue to monitor the situation closely.

Most traffic lights are affected by the power outage. Please treat intersections as four-way stops.

Waste Management

Refuse collection services will continue today. If you are putting rubbish out, please ensure it is well anchored or placed in a protected area, as it may blow away and cause problems.

Consider keeping your recycling aside, e.g. cardboard boxes, or dropping it off at the mini drop-off sites.

Nature Reserves

Residents are urged to avoid all recreational activities until further notice.

All hiking trails in the Fernkloof, Rooiels, and Kleinmond Nature Reserves (including Jeans Hill and Fairy Glen) are closed until further notice

Community Halls

Crassula Hall in Betty’s Bay, Masakhane Hall in Gansbaai, and Zwelihle Community Hall are open for residents in need of shelter.

Water & Sanitation Services

Residents are urged to use water sparingly during this period to help conserve water.

Water treatment plants, pump stations, and sewage systems are expected to come under pressure.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS:
All are 24 hour numbers:

028 312 2400 – Fire or flood emergencies

028 313 8111 – Municipal service emergencies (e.g. stormwater issues)

You can also log non-life threatening service requests via the Citizen App

Further updates will follow as conditions develop.

Please stay safe and avoid unnecessary travel where possible.

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ICC UPDATE 1: STORM WEATHER
| 11 May 2026 : 06:45

Roads
All major roads are currently open, apart from a tree obstructing the road at Arabella. Overstrand Traffic is on scene and digger loader on its way.
Another tree has fallen on the Hemel-en-Aarde Road at the High Season Farm turn-off.

Road conditions can change at short notice due to fallen trees, rocks, or mud on the roads.

• Overstrand Traffic will confirm closures on the main roads as soon as they are able to do so.
• Please exercise caution on the roads and beware of the strong winds. Headlights on.
• There has been no change in the water level at the Stanford bridge, and levels remain low.

Wind damage:
A couple of reports have been received of roofs being blown off in Mount Pleasant, Pringle Bay and Betty’s Bay due to strong winds.

Electricity update from Eskom – Onrus/Vermont and Hawston/Fisherhaven at 22:15 on 10/05

Please note that we attempted to swing the loads, but the fault is located between Afdaks and the Hawston 66kV mountain line. Due to unsafe conditions, employees could not continue with the line patrol. The team will resume work early tomorrow morning.

Reports of power outage in Hemel-en-Aarde valley also in.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS:
All are 24 hour numbers:

028 312 2400 – Fire or flood emergencies
028 313 8111 – Municipal service emergencies (e.g. stormwater issues)
You can also log non-life threatening service requests via the Citizen App