TWO people died in the Bonnievale area while two others were missing in Riviersonderend and Stormsvlei following the winter storm in the province.
About 30 farmworkers were evacuated in Riviersonderend.
The provincial government says the Overberg, specifically Bredasdorp, Struisbaai, Riversonderend and the surrounding areas continue to be hardest hit by the storm that made landfall on Tuesday.
The Malgas community in the Southern Cape has been cut off by the rising Breede River and is at risk of being flooded.
A number of rescue efforts continue to be conducted, including a mother and her three children rescued in Stormsvlei, two men saved in Riviersonderend, two medical evacuations ongoing in Riviersonderend and two men rescued in the Greyton/Riviersonderend area.
Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC Anton Bredell said District Municipal Fire and Rescue, EMS, NSRI, SANAF and SAPS have been deployed and were assisting communities across the affected regions.
“In addition the South African Air Force has put an Oryx helicopter on standby to assist with search and rescue operations when conditions allow.
“The SAWS predicts the bad weather will continue to Saturday and while less rain is predicted for the City of Cape Town, a warning has been issued for heavy rain in Oudtshoorn.”
The department said the Tradouw Pass between Barrydale and Swellendam was closed due to weather conditions which has resulted in a rock fall.
Lots of rain can also continue to be expected over the Cape Winelands District, Hessequa and Ladismith municipalities until Saturday.
Malgas was cut off due to impassable roads.
No attempts must be made to leave the area as roads have become dangerous, the officials have advised.
Bredell has urged people in the affected areas to be patient and cautious.
“Emergency services are working non-stop to assist people who have been affected by the storm.
“Large rivers are swelling and flooding their banks in places and this will continue to pose challenges in the next day or two.
“Please contact the emergency services in the case of any emergency.
“In addition, when driving, please apply extreme caution and do not cross flood waters crossing roadways.”
For tips on being safe on the roads when driving in stormy, wet weather visit https://www.westerncape.gov.za/general-publication/how-drive-safely-rain?fbclid=IwAR1fmxM54f7O5RLyIMV7Iqvhb6MplRD3ieXfh35k38x0jeao0dIuQmMpqRs
Numbers for reporting emergencies in the Western Cape:
· City of Cape Town - 107 or 021 480 7700 and 080 911 4357
· Overberg - 028 425 1690
· West Coast - 022 433 8700
· Garden Route - 044 805 5071
· Central Karoo – 023 449 8000
· Cape Winelands – 021 886 9244 / 021 887 4446