Overview
- Kouga Dam, which topped 113% Thursday, triggered urgent evacuations in the Gamtoos Valley and the opening of shelters in Thornhill and Loerie.
- More than 2,000 people are sleeping in 25 Nelson Mandela Bay shelters, and a flooded clinic in Gqeberha’s Walmer suburb is closed until Monday.
- The Western Cape confirmed one storm‑related death, naming social auxiliary worker Lauren Fredericks, as authorities reported widespread road closures and damage.
- Following Wednesday’s heaviest rain, SAWS downgraded some Garden Route alerts, yet swollen rivers, dam spills and blocked passes are keeping rescue and relief teams in the field.
- The slow‑moving cut‑off low, which can act like an upper‑level cyclone, dropped up to 301 mm of rain on the Garden Route and led SANParks to close trails and water activities as catchments continue to drain.