The Stellenbosch region has not experienced such “heavy and continuous downpours” in approximately 45 years, and the area is still dealing with the aftereffects. This was according to Gesie van Deventer, executive mayor for Stellenbosch Municipality, in a press statement released on 15 June.
Parts of Stellenbosch are still without power due to the flooding that was caused by heavy rain between 13 and 15 June, stated Van Deventer.
Between the night of 13 June and the morning of 14 June, the area received 60.8mm of rain. A further 33.4mm fell between 14 and 15 June, said Stella Nakhe from the Cape Town branch of the South African Weather Service.
Residents are urged to contact the Municipal Control Room to report flood-related damages, or to request assistance via 021 808 8999 or send a WhatsApp to 079 622 4722, said Stuart Grobbelaar, communications manager for Stellenbosch Municipality. PHOTO: Daniel Roodt
“Areas in Wemmershoek and De Hollandsche Molen are still without electricity as the electricity infrastructure is still submerged,” said Van Deventer. “Our electricians must wait for water levels to subside before reinstating supply.”
Further damage
The historical Markotter pedestrian bridge between Paul Roos Gymnasium and Krige Road was also damaged when the Eerste River broke its banks on 14 June. The bridge remains closed to pedestrians.
The Markotter pedestrian bridge between Paul Roos Gymnasium and Krige Road was closed on 14 June due to the damages it sustained from the flooding of the Eerste River, caused by the heavy rainfall in the area. PHOTO: Daniel Roodt
Most roads have been opened after being closed on 14 June due to flooding. However, the Franschhoek Pass is still closed, and “motorists are advised to make use of alternative routes”, stated Van Deventer.
Cleanup operation
The municipality has started cleaning up and repairing parts of the town, said Stuart Grobbelaar, communications manager for Stellenbosch Municipality.
On 15 June, construction companies could be seen repairing the banks of the Eerste River that eroded due to the heavy rain, observed SMF News.
By the morning of 15 June, construction workers had started repairing the bank of the Eerste River below Suidwal Street, near Paul Roos Gymnasium. PHOTO: Daniel Roodt
Water management
The impact of heavy rainfall may be mitigated by “managing the catchment land use, clearing drains in the town, [and] avoiding development adjacent to rivers or low-lying areas”, explained Dr Jan de Waal, a lecturer at the department of geography and environmental studies at Stellenbosch University.
According to the SA Weather Service, there is an 80% chance of rain in the area for the night of 15 June.