07/05/2026
STORM UPDATE: 7 MAY 2026 | 10:40
🔌 POWER INTERRUPTION
Municipal teams continue to work closely with Eskom following widespread power interruptions caused by storm-related damage.
Eskom has confirmed that repair operations on the damaged power towers are ongoing. While some areas have had electricity restored, certain communities in Sedgefield, Buffalo Bay, Brenton-on-Sea, Lake Brenton, Welbedacht, and surrounding areas may still experience intermittent outages and low voltage as restoration efforts continue.
The Municipality remains on high alert as prolonged outages continue to impact essential water and sanitation infrastructure.
💧WATER & SANITATION SERVICES
Water treatment plants, pump stations, and sewage systems remain under pressure due to continued electricity disruptions.
Residents in the affected areas may still experience:
• Low water pressure
• Temporary water outages
• Delays in the recovery of water systems
• Increased strain on wastewater infrastructure
Municipal teams are monitoring all critical infrastructure and implementing contingency measures where possible.
RAINFALL RECORDED YESTERDAY
• Knysna: 70mm
• Sedgefield: Over 100mm
• Karatara: 182mm
• Buffalo Bay: 100mm
• Rheenendal: 180mm
🏫 COMMUNITY HALLS & TEMPORARY SHELTER
Community halls remain open to accommodate affected residents and displaced persons.
Temporary shelter facilities remain operational at:
• Loerie Park
• NG Kerk, Fichat Street
• Sedgefield Town Hall
• Smutsville Community Hall
• Chris Hani Community Hall
• Masifunde Library
• Methodist Church in Ward 4
The Masifunde Library Hall accommodated approximately 100 people last night, with 10 individuals currently still being sheltered there. The NG Church Hall accommodated 60 people overnight and continues to provide shelter to 36 individuals. These facilities remain a place of safety and support for residents affected by the severe weather conditions.
🙏 DONATIONS NEEDED
The Municipality continues to appeal for donations to support affected residents.
Items urgently needed include:
• Blankets
• Mattresses
• Cooked meals
• Baby essentials
• Toiletries
To assist, please contact:
📞 Ms. Lizel Baatjies: 044 302 6343
📱 WhatsApp: 060 998 7106
🛣️ ROADS & CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS
Main roads remain open; however, motorists are urged to exercise caution as clean-up operations continue across affected areas.
SANParks and municipal teams remain on site clearing fallen trees, mudslides, and storm debris.
Traffic officials continue to monitor high-risk areas and road conditions.
🚛 WASTE MANAGEMENT
• Garden refuse sites remain closed
• Public ablution facilities remain closed
• No refuse collection will take place today
• Refuse collection services are scheduled to resume on Sunday, weather permitting
• PetroSA remains closed
🌊 ESTUARY
The Knysna Estuary remains unsafe for recreational use due to flooding and the impact on infrastructure linked to the estuary system.
Residents are urged to avoid all recreational activities in and around the estuary until further notice.
🏥 HEALTH
No major health-related incidents have been reported at this stage.
🌐 COMMUNICATION PLATFORMS
Residents are encouraged to continue monitoring the Municipality’s official social media platforms, website, WhatsApp Channel, and Collaborator App for verified updates and emergency notices.
📞 EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
Knysna
📞 044 302 8911
📱 WhatsApp: 060 998 6969
Sedgefield
📞 044 343 2900
📱 WhatsApp: 060 998 7019
Eskom-related power enquiries:
📞 0860 037 566
The Greater Knysna Business Chamber Knysna Infrastructure Group - KIG Sedgefield Ratepayers & Residents Association Visit Knysna Sedgefield Information Knysna-UpperTown Lake Brenton Residents Association Knysna Township Smutsville informal settlement FORUM Knysna Executive Mayor Cllr Thando Matika Levael Davis Councillor Cleone Vanston Hilton Stroebel Kay Andrews Sharon Sabbagh DA Councillor Ward 9 Knysna Peter Bester DA Councillor Ward 10 Knysna Knysna 97.0 FM & MC 90.3 FM Plettenberg Bay Eden FM
