TWO people are believed to have died after being swept away by floods in the Overberg region as heavy rains continue to wreak havoc in the area.
Reinard Geldenhuys, the emergency services manager for the Overberg Municipality, said the two victims were washed away in two different locations.
"At this stage there are two suspected fatalities. Two people were washed away by floodwaters at different locations. They are Villiersdorp and Botriver Bridge," he said.
Geldenhuys said the deceased were recovered after a search operation by police, adding that seven families were rescued and evacuated after being trapped on the roofs of their houses.
"Last night seven families (Elgin Timbers) were evacuated from EMS. This morning, about 30 people were rescued when the Klein River burst its banks.
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"NSRI and Overstand Fire and Rescue were on the scene. An NSRI team was deployed to rescue 4 people who were stuck on their roofs in the Greyton area. The Overstrand District Fire and Rescue Service provided assistance," Geldenhuys said.
Earlier today (25 September), the Botriver Bridge on the N2 was completely washed away, affecting rescue operations in the area.
"Several minor rescues and evacuations took place throughout the day by EMS and the Fire & Rescue Services. The challenges are several road closures isolating areas and towns in the Overberg. The worst is the Botriver Bridge on the N2, which was washed away early this morning," said Geldenhuys.
Meanwhile, six children were rescued after being trapped in flooded homes in Strand Cape Town. City of Cape Town disaster management spokewoman Charlotte Powell said the kids had been rescued and were in a safe place.
"Emergency services rescued six children who were trapped in three different houses in Strand and took them to Strand Fire station. There were reports of a house in Sir Lowry’s Pass Village about to collapse, and the residents have been evacuated. Structural engineers have been appointed to deal with the situation," Powell said.
