The Western Cape Police Dive Unit helped rescue Wolseley residents trapped in their homes. Image: SAPS.
PICS: Over 50 people rescued in flood-hit Wolseley
A large part of the Wolseley community was trapped in their homes by the severe flooding in the Western Cape town.
The Western Cape Police Dive Unit helped rescue Wolseley residents trapped in their homes. Image: SAPS.
At least 54 people affected by severe flooding in Wolseley in the Breede Valley Municipality have been rescued by police divers thus far on Thursday. The Western Cape has seen widespread flooding after heavy rain fell on Wednesday and Thursday, 15 June.
Western Cape Dive Unit mobilised to assist in the Wolseley rescue operation
The Western Cape Dive Unit was deployed to Wolseley to help local authorities with the rescue operation.
“A huge portion of the local community has been affected when people were trapped in their houses as a result of the high rainfall figures experienced in the area,” said police spokesperson Colonel Andre Traut.
READ: WATCH: Citrusdal in lockdown after floods wash away roads
Due to compromised vehicle mobility, rubber ducks (inflatable rescue boats) were used to reach the flood victims.
“So far, divers have brought 54 people to safety, and they will remain in the area to assist with the disaster management operations until the situation has normalised,” said Traut.
READ: Cape Town weather update: More rivers burst their banks, causing flooding
Road closures
Breede Valley Mayor Antoinette Steyn encouraged municipality residents to stay home if possible.
The following roads remain closed due to flooding or mud damage:
- The Slanghoek Road towards Rawsonville
- The N1/ Huguenot Tunnel towards Cape Town.
- The Du Toitskloof Pass in both directions.
As previously reported, the town of Citrusdal in the Cederberg District Municipality has been cut off after the floods washed away key access roads to the town. Dozens of people in the Cederberg Municipality were also evacuated.
READ: Franschhoek Pass closed due to rockfalls
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