Western Cape floods and mudslides force school closures and road shutdowns

Heavy rainstorms across the Western and Eastern Cape in South Africa have triggered widespread flooding, mudslides, rockfalls and power outages. Municipalities reported road closures on routes such as the R340, Meiringspoort, Swartberg Pass and several mountain passes in the Garden Route, with some areas isolated and emergency services on high alert. Residents in the Bitou area were evacuated, and a white Mercedes‑Benz was found half‑submerged on St. George’s Street.

The Western Cape Education Department ordered all schools in the Eden and Central Karoo districts to close on 3‑4 June, suspending learner transport services. Health‑service routes were also cancelled in affected towns. Authorities urged motorists to avoid flooded roads, low‑water bridges and unstable slopes, and to follow official detours.

Violent weather is expected to ease toward the weekend, with schools planned to reopen on Friday, provided conditions allow.