Trees have been uprooted due to adverse weather conditions in the Garden Route region.
Image: Supplied
Heavy rains, flooding and damaging winds have left a trail of destruction across the Garden Route National Park, with several roads washed away, hiking trails closed, and emergency teams working to clear debris and restore access.
In a statement released on Friday, South African National Parks (SANParks) said inclement weather conditions had affected multiple sections of the park, particularly Wilderness, Knysna and Tsitsikamma.
According to SANParks, roads in the Wilderness Section remain eroded and inaccessible in several areas, while mudslides and fallen trees continue to block access routes.
Although water levels have begun to recede, parts of Swartvlei remain flooded.
Authorities said all recreational activities and hiking trails in the area remain closed. Accommodation facilities, however, have not been affected, and no cancellations have been reported.
The Knysna Section was among the hardest hit after recording an extreme 378mm of rainfall. SANParks said roads, including Komsepad and Kranshoek, remain blocked by fallen trees and require extensive clearing operations.
The R339 is currently accessible only to 4x4 vehicles, while power outages and limited network coverage continue to affect the area.
Officials also warned boaters to exercise caution in the Knysna Estuary after large floating debris accumulated and navigational channel markers were displaced by flooding.
“One vessel was destabilised but poses no environmental risk,” SANParks said.
Diepwalle campsite and surrounding trails remain closed.
Conditions in the Tsitsikamma Section have improved after rainfall and strong winds subsided. Water levels at the Groot River in Nature’s Valley have dropped, allowing teams to begin clearing debris at the bridge.
However, SANParks confirmed that the temporary restaurant structure at the Storms River Mouth Rest Camp was temporarily closed after floodwaters and foam inundated the area.
Nature’s Valley Camp also remains closed while damage assessments and mop-up operations continue.
SANParks spokesperson JP Louw said teams and stakeholders were working to repair damaged infrastructure and ensure public safety across the park.
Meanwhile, the City of Cape Town warned residents to prepare for more severe weather expected between Sunday, May 10, and Tuesday, May 12.
The South African Weather Service has issued an Orange Level 6 warning for disruptive rainfall that could lead to flooding of roads, low-lying bridges, and both formal and informal settlements.
An additional Orange Level 6 warning was issued for damaging winds and waves expected along the coastline between Lambert's Bay and Plettenberg Bay, with authorities cautioning about dangerous conditions at sea and potential damage to coastal infrastructure.
A Yellow Level 2 warning for damaging winds is also in effect.
The City said its Disaster Coordinating Team would be activated to coordinate responses to weather-related incidents.
IOL