A 93-YEAR-OLD gogo was killed and another injured when high storm tides hit the coastlines in the Western Cape on Saturday, 16 September.
National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) spokesman Craig Lambinon said that in addition to the death of a woman, another person was injured, and several houses were damaged.
"We know that along the George and Wilderness on the Southern Cape coastline there has been quite widespread damage along the coastline. We have a 93-year-old woman who has passed away. We understand she was swept off her feet by a wave that entered her car park, causing cars to be swept away by the storm surge. A man was also injured, he was taken to hospital," Lambinon said.
He warned that the flooding and rough waters, which began on Saturday, 16 September, were likely to continue until Thursday, 21 September.
Lambinon said there was a threat of possible storm surge on the coasts of the Eastern Cape, Western Cape and KZN between 3pm and 6pm on Sunday. He urged the public not to put themselves in danger.
"We appeal to the public to heed the warnings issued by the South African Weather Service and be cautious. Do not take unnecessary risks, and do not put yourself in unnecessary danger," he said.
The George municipality has closed all beaches and have placed their disaster management services on high alert.
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"More high tide surges, predicted for this afternoon with a predicted height of up to 2.9 metres," a statement from the municipality said.
In Cape Town, MMC for Safety Jean-Pierre Smith said several vehicles and houses have been affected.
"The natural spring tides predicted for 16 September came together with strong winds and high seas. This resulted in extreme conditions in coastal areas as several waves broke over the high tide mark and caused flooding in these areas.
"Several properties were swept away by the waves and several vehicles were damaged. The city’s disaster management centre is in contact with the weather services, but no further warnings are expected at this time," Smith said.
