FOLLOWING the devastating floods that battered the region between 5-11 May 2026, causing an estimated R170.3 million in damage to municipal infrastructure, the Kouga Local Municipality Council approved urgent resolutions aimed at unlocking disaster relief funding.
According to the Council, it officially noted the submission made on 11 May 2026 to the Sarah Baartman District Municipality requesting the declaration of a Local State of Disaster for the Kouga municipal area after severe flooding caused widespread damage to municipal infrastructure, roads, homes, electrical networks, and essential services.
The Council further resolved that the Sarah Baartman District Municipality be requested to submit the resolution to the Provincial Disaster Management Centre for gazetting and escalation to the National Disaster Management Centre.
The Flood Report covering the period from 5-11 May 2026, detailing the extensive damage, recommendations, and financial implications, was also formally noted by Council.
Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, said the municipality faced enormous financial pressure following the floods, with roads, electrical infrastructure, bridges, stormwater systems, buildings, and other critical municipal infrastructure sustaining extensive damage.
“Initial high-level assessments place the estimated repair costs at approximately R170.3 million (excluding VAT). These figures are based on preliminary visual assessments, and the final costs may increase as detailed technical investigations continue,” said Bornman. “The municipality simply does not have the financial capacity to absorb damages of this magnitude within its existing 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.”
The severe flooding followed days of intense rainfall associated with a cut-off low-pressure system over the Eastern Cape. Between 5-7 May 2026, the South African Weather Service issued an Orange Level 8 warning for disruptive rainfall, cautioning residents about widespread flooding, overflowing rivers, and infrastructure damage.
In some areas, more than 100mm of rain fell within a short period, overwhelming stormwater systems and causing rivers to burst their banks across the Kouga region.
Kouga Dam
One of the major contributing factors to the disaster was the rapid rise of the Kouga Dam, which reportedly surged from approximately 40% capacity to above 100% within hours as heavy inflows poured into the dam. 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.
Among the hardest-hit communities were Hankey, Patensie, Loerie, Thornhill, Gamtoos Mouth, Sea Vista, Oyster Bay, Humansdorp (KwaNomzamo and Kruisfontein) and parts of Jeffreys Bay where floodwaters inundated homes and informal structures, forcing families to flee to temporary shelters and community halls.
“The disaster has had a devastating impact on many vulnerable residents, particularly those living in low-lying and informal settlement areas,” said Bornman.
“Families lost homes, belongings, and in some cases, access to essential services. Many residents had to be evacuated under extremely difficult conditions as floodwaters rose rapidly.”
Preliminary municipal estimates indicate that approximately 100 emergency housing structures may be required to assist displaced households, with around R400,000 needed for emergency housing interventions and immediate relief efforts.
“Priority would be given to infrastructure posing immediate risks to public safety, as well as areas where further deterioration could result in additional damage during future weather events,” said Bornman. “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 praised emergency teams, municipal officials, disaster management personnel, volunteers, and residents who worked tirelessly throughout the crisis.
“Our emergency services, disaster management teams, rescue organisations, and municipal workers displayed extraordinary commitment under extremely difficult conditions. Their dedication helped save lives, protect property, and support vulnerable residents during this disaster,” he said.
