In a devastating turn of events, three farm workers drowned due to flooding in Kleinmond, prompting a large-scale rescue effort and community assistance in the aftermath of the storm.
Image: Supplied / NSRI
Tragedy struck just outside Kleinmond, where three deaths were recorded after farm workers were trapped on building roofs by flooding between Worcester and Rawsonville.
This comes as mop-up operations continue across the Western Cape in the wake of storm devastation.
Meanwhile, since Sunday, the Drakenstein Municipality has evacuated a total of 241 residents, who are being temporarily accommodated in community halls, where they are being provided with hot meals, blankets, and dignity kits.
The N1 at Worcester, along with various passes along the escarpment, remains closed until further notice. Motorists have been advised to avoid all non-essential travel to or through the Cape Winelands region, severely impacting access to and from Cape Town.
Police spokesperson, Frederick van Wyk, said Rawsonville police registered an inquest following the discovery of three unidentified bodies, including two men and one woman who drowned on Tuesday on a farm on the R101 road, Rawsonville.
The bodies were taken by pathology services from the scene, said Van Wyk.
National Sea Rescue Initiative (NSRI) spokesperson, Craig Lambinon, confirmed they had activated their Kleinmond crew to assist with a mass rescue operation following reports of farm workers trapped on the roofs of farm buildings.
Several NSRI resources - including the crew from NSRI Mykonos, NSRI Yzerfontein, NSRI Headquarters station 1, NSRI Melkbosstrand, provincial traffic services, and an EMS Metro Rescue squad - were deployed for the rescue operation to evacuate the farm workers.
Severe flooding near Kleinmond has led to the tragic deaths of three farm workers, with rescue operations under way as the community rallies to support those affected in the Western Cape.
Image: Supplied / NSRI
On arrival at the nearest landmark, the crew found 23 people who included farm workers and their family members, trapped by flood waters, reportedly since Monday.
“Using ladders, the casualties, including babies, toddlers, children, adults, the elderly, and domestic animals, as well as one blind man and one paraplegic man, were evacuated to safety in relays, using the flotation of our rescue craft. Our rescue crew worked tirelessly despite challenging conditions, often wading and swimming through barely accessible terrain and flooded areas.
“Once out of harm's way, safely on terra firma, they were taken into the care of the farmer. During the operation, sadly, two deceased males and a deceased female were located and recovered from flooded buildings on the farm,” said Lambinon.
During the operation, Lambinon said they were unable to recover several farm animals, domestic animals, wildlife including snakes, despite efforts that became increasingly dangerous for the rescue crews.
The NSRI Kleinmond returned to base at 11pm and returned yesterday morning to further assist.
The N1 at Worcester is closed until further notice, along with various passes along the escarpment, severely impacting access to and from Cape Town.
Image: Supplied
In the Drakenstein Municipality, humanitarian organisations, including Gift of the Givers and the Al-Imdaad Foundation, as well as the Western Cape Department of Social Development, were assisting with the response and provision of humanitarian aid.
The municipality has urged caution as localised flooding has been reported at several properties in Paarl, as well as in Wellington, Newton, and Simondium. This week, municipal teams have responded to more than 160 flooding incidents.
Drakenstein Mayor Stephen Korabie said: “Our teams have been working tirelessly under difficult conditions to keep our communities safe, and we will remain vigilant as the weather system continues.
“Our main focus is to attend to situations where people’s lives are endangered, to keep the roads and stormwater channels open, to keep the electricity and traffic lights on, and to ensure access to clean water.”
Cape Times