OVERSTRAND FLOODING STATUS UPDATE
The JOC will remain fully operational throughout the night.
Response teams remain deployed across affected areas and will continue to monitor conditions closely. Assessments and response operations are ongoing, as more rain is expected over the next two days.
More than 350 calls for assistance were received today, with numbers continuing to increase across multiple wards throughout Overstrand.
The Stanford Bridge is being closely monitored, as water from outer catchment areas is expected to come down the mountain tomorrow.
Electricity supply has been restored to most areas, and we hope it will remain stable.
All major roads remain open. Residents are urged to avoid flooded roads and to remain cautious at all times.
Most localised flooding has since subsided, indicating that stormwater infrastructure was overwhelmed by the volume of rainfall rather than being blocked. Maintenance teams continue clearing debris and material from roads and catchpits. Teams remain on standby overnight.
Kleinmond Area
The operational team attended to the main water pipeline that was damaged by flood waters. The valves were reopened at 18:00, and the network is currently refilling, with some areas already reporting water. Teams are now bleeding other parts of the system to release air and restore full supply.
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 the Greater Hermanus area, there is an ongoing need for sandbags and assistance with water diversion.
- 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.
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A Level 4 thunderstorm warning remains in place for the Overstrand area.
- 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.
Lower-lying areas are now expected to start taking in water, particularly in known flood hotspots.
- 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.
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.
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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
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.
| 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.
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.
