Heavy rains cause havoc in Western Cape

At least 17 people have been rescued in the Western Cape’s Swartland and Cederberg areas

At least 17 people have been rescued as heavy rain and floods continue in the Western Cape’s Swartland and Cederberg areas. Fifteen farm workers from Citrusdal in the Cederberg have been rescued after the Olifants River burst its banks in several places.

Police divers in a rubber-duck have rescued two people trapped on the roof of a house on the bank of the Berg River at Gouda in the Swartland. The N7 between Clanwilliam and Citrusdal has been closed to traffic due to heavy flooding. Several roads in Citrusdal have also been damaged. Flooding has also been reported in Moorreesburg, Porterville, Gouda and Citrusdal.

Several residents at Hopefield on the Cape West Coast have been evacuated from their homes due to heavy flooding. The Zout River, which runs past the town, has burst its banks. Heavy rains have lashed the West Coast, Cederbeg and Swartland regions over the past 24 hours. SABC