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George measured 105mm of rainfall in a two-hour period on Monday 22 November, which led to extensive flash flood damage to private as well as municipal infrastructure. In total, George measured 148.5mm of rain from 22–24 November – a record in anyone’s books, but miraculously without severe injuries or fatalities being reported in the days following the storm.
By 24 November, George Fire and Emergency Services was aware of 26 formal houses that had flooded, and had identified over 800 families of informal structures as affected by the deluge and requiring assistance.
Although many low-lying roadways were turned into rivers, emergency service personnel responded to only one motor vehicle accident, according to municipal reports released in the days after that fateful Monday.
The importance of insurance can’t be overstated
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On 9 December, The BUZZard chatted to ACII Financial Advisor and Manager at Securitas, Brentia Redelinghuys, about the extent of the claims submitted by George businesses and homeowners to this well-established local firm.
‘We are very busy indeed,’ said Brentia, ‘but there’s no time for complaining! This morning alone we insured a truck to the value of R1.7 million for one client, as well as bakkies and other vehicles for three other clients.
‘Claims relating to the damage incurred on 22 November are still rolling in, such as the storage facility of a wine distribution company with damage to the value of R80,000. But this is a relatively small amount when compared to many already registered.’
When asked if the subsequent heavy rains of Monday 6 December had also had a highly negative impact on structures and the like, Brentia said it was nowhere near as dramatic, although existing damage did not exactly benefit from the skies opening yet again.
Infrastructure and equipment lashed
The Kingswood Golf Estate (KGE) claim was being estimated at R2.3 million after the first week in December, and this figure only includes damage to infrastructure, according to Brentia.
When chatting to CEO Willem Jacobs on the second rainy Monday in question, he was awaiting an engineer’s report pertaining to damage to the estate. But, as recorded elsewhere in this edition, greenkeeper Ivan van Heerden said that after rigorous remedial work, the course is now in great shape and ready for seasonal visitors to enjoy.
‘A hardware store claimed R500,000 after losses suffered when cardboard containers were drenched, leaving stock exposed to rising water levels. Although the products weren’t destroyed or even damaged, these items can’t be sold without their packaging. Part of the equipment included 12 brand-new geysers that were wrapped and positioned upright. When flooding upended the geysers, they were literally floating about in the building. Electrical components were most probably damaged, but this couldn’t be tested, so all 12 geysers had to be written off.’
Brentia says that the floors, carpets and cupboards of many homes, especially in George South, had to be replaced. ‘Claims for just two of these homes totalled R180,000 and R260,000 respectively, and include damage to the actual buildings.’
Claims by owners of commercial buildings revolved mainly around the roofs, with smaller amounts starting at around R10,000 but going up to around R100,000. Municipal damages to stormwater infrastructure, roads, pavements and the like are enormous and probably not yet quantifiable. ‘The real costs will probably only be accurately ascertained in about six months’ time, when all claims have been processed.’
Water will have its way
‘Older residents exchanged stories during the past weeks to try getting to the bottom of flooding in George South specifically, and they say that many years ago a stream actively flowed through this neighbourhood.
‘One look at the dip between York Street and roads leading towards the railway tracks gives credence to this claim. In fact, parts of this natural valley had to be filled in to facilitate laying of the track,’ says Brentia.
The suburb now called Groeneweide Park was a wetland many years ago, which again was filled with solid materials to accommodate the building of houses. Owners of homes throughout George South have always struggled to keep damp at bay.
‘They say water will always find its original path, where it had flowed before the environment was built up. If one looks at where most of George’s flood damage occurred, it’s in these southern areas that were once permeated by rivers and streams.’
Brentia says that another reason for damage incurred is the fact that walls and fences are built without leaving openings for water to escape, which leads to damming up. When the wall finally gives, a torrent is released that swoops along everything in its way.
Brentia mentions a development in King George Park which escaped any flooding, simply because special care had been taken during the construction of walls and draining systems.
‘But the reality is that all buildings and enclosures obstruct the normal course of water, so heavy rains will mostly result in some form of damage.’
Prevention measures
Brentia suggests starting from the top when preparing your home or business premises for significant rainfall: ‘Clean your roof and gutters, which are often blocked by leaves accumulated there.
‘Re-evaluate your entire perimeter to ensure that there are openings to counter rising water levels. It doesn’t help to block your side to try to prevent the water flowing through from the neighbour’s side – under enough pressure, fences and walls will eventually give way.
‘You would also do well to inspect the curbs and pavements surrounding your property. If any stormwater openings seem clogged with plant matter, it’s imperative to let George Municipality know so that they can clear it away.’
Is it a disaster?
In a statement on 7 December, George Municipality revealed that it has applied for relief funding of approximately R750 million from Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM). ‘This does not only include direct relief for flood damage remedial works, but also to alleviate circumstances in vulnerable areas in order to prevent future damage due to disaster and exceptional events. GRDM will forward this to the Western Cape Provincial Government for review and establish whether a disaster is to be called,’ according to the statement.
A breakdown of claims was stipulated as follows:
- GO GEORGE public bus transport infrastructure damage – R359,983.
- Civils infrastructure (water, sanitation, roads, stormwater, rivers, clearing of debris) – R311,671,422
- Electrical infrastructure – R17,700,000
- Human settlements (damage to existing/prevention against future damage) – R422,231,710.
History repeated
When asking Brentia whether she remembered such destructive floods occurring in George during her years of service in the insurance business, she says that 2006 stands out in the area’s water-damage history.
‘In August of that year, rainstorms caused similar havoc. This was followed by lighter flooding in the two years that followed, when exceptional rainfall figures also caused significant damage, if less so than in 2006.’
We thank Brentia for her time and advice – and if there’s one top takeaway from all the above, it’s to never assume that the heavens won’t open with gusto once again in the very near future. Find your inner Boy Scout and be prepared.
