Kouga Local Municipality has approved urgent resolutions aimed at unlocking provincial and national disaster relief funding following the devastating floods that struck the region between 5 and 11 May 2026.
The flooding caused widespread destruction across the municipal area, with preliminary estimates placing damage to municipal infrastructure at approximately R170.3 million.
The resolutions were adopted during a Special Council Meeting held on 14 May 2026.
Local State of Disaster Requested
Council officially noted the municipality’s submission to the Sarah Baartman District Municipality requesting the declaration of a Local State of Disaster for the Kouga region.
The request followed severe flooding that damaged roads, electrical infrastructure, homes, bridges, stormwater systems, and other essential municipal services.
Council further resolved that the Sarah Baartman District Municipality submit the resolution to the Provincial Disaster Management Centre in terms of Section 41 of the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002 for gazetting and escalation to the National Disaster Management Centre.
The official Flood Report covering the period from 5 to 11 May 2026 was also formally noted during the meeting.
Flood Damage Places Major Pressure on Municipality
Kouga Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman said the municipality faced enormous financial pressure following the disaster.
“Initial high-level assessments place the estimated repair costs at approximately R170.3 million excluding VAT,” said Bornman.
“These figures are based on preliminary visual assessments, and the final costs may increase as detailed technical investigations continue.”
Bornman said the municipality did not have the financial capacity to absorb damage of this scale within its current budget.
“The declaration of a Local State of Disaster is therefore crucial to unlock provincial and national disaster funding needed to restore infrastructure and assist affected communities,” he said.
Severe Rainfall Triggered Widespread Flooding
The severe weather followed days of intense rainfall linked to a cut-off low-pressure system over the Eastern Cape.
Between 5 and 7 May 2026, the South African Weather Service issued an Orange Level 8 warning for disruptive rainfall across the region.
In several areas, more than 100mm of rain fell within a short period, overwhelming stormwater systems and causing rivers to burst their banks.
One of the major contributing factors was the rapid rise of the Kouga Dam, which reportedly surged from around 40% capacity to above 100% within hours as heavy inflows entered the dam system.
By 7 May 2026, the dam had exceeded capacity, prompting emergency warnings and evacuation notices for residents living along the Gamtoos River and downstream flood-prone areas.
Communities Across Kouga Hit Hard
Among the worst-affected areas were Hankey, Patensie, Loerie, Thornhill, Gamtoos Mouth, Sea Vista, Oyster Bay, Humansdorp and parts of Jeffreys Bay.
Floodwaters inundated homes and informal structures across the region, forcing many residents into temporary shelters and community halls.
In Hankey, several families were evacuated to the Vusumzi Landu Hall after homes were flooded and access routes damaged.
At Kingsway in Gamtoos Mouth, 46 residents had to be evacuated after rising floodwaters threatened nearby homes and properties.
Sea Vista’s informal settlement area experienced severe flooding, with vulnerable households among the hardest hit.
In KwaNomzamo and Kruisfontein, strong winds ripped roofs off informal structures while floodwaters entered homes, resulting in the evacuation of around 35 families.
Thornhill and Loerie also experienced major flooding, with approximately 40 residents moved to temporary shelters. Twenty-two families from Loerie were accommodated at the Loerie Community Hall.
In Jeffreys Bay, around 15 families were evacuated to the Pellsrus Community Hall.
Emergency Housing Needed
Bornman said the disaster had placed enormous strain on vulnerable communities across the region.
“Families lost homes, belongings, and in some cases access to essential services,” he said.
“Many residents had to be evacuated under extremely difficult conditions as floodwaters rose rapidly.”
Preliminary municipal assessments indicate that approximately 100 emergency housing structures may be required to assist displaced residents.
Around R400 000 has been identified for emergency housing interventions and immediate relief efforts.
Municipality Focuses on Recovery
Bornman said priority would be given to infrastructure posing immediate risks to public safety, as well as areas vulnerable to further deterioration during future weather events.
“The municipality remains committed to restoring services, supporting affected residents, and working with provincial and national government to secure the necessary resources for recovery and rehabilitation,” he said.
He also praised emergency responders, disaster management teams, volunteers, and municipal workers who worked throughout the crisis.
“Our emergency services, disaster management teams, rescue organisations, and municipal workers displayed extraordinary commitment under extremely difficult conditions,” Bornman said.
“Their dedication helped save lives, protect property, and support vulnerable residents during this disaster.”
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