Authorities in the Kouga Municipality ordered urgent evacuations on Thursday as the Kouga Dam overflowed and threatened low-lying areas [1].

The emergency measures aim to prevent loss of life in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa, where rising waters along the Gamtoos River have created dangerous conditions.

Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman said the dam has reached 113% of its capacity [1]. This overflow triggered the immediate relocation of residents living in flood-prone zones to ensure public safety as water levels continue to fluctuate.

Reports on the scale of the evacuation vary. SABC News said that more than 100 residents have been evacuated from the municipality [2]. However, a report from CapeTownEtc said that approximately 49 residents were moved during the operation [3].

Despite the orders, disaster management authorities said that 20 residents refused to leave their homes [2]. These individuals remain in high-risk areas despite the warnings from the municipality.

Beyond the immediate Kouga region, the flooding has impacted surrounding districts. SABC News said that more than 300 people have been moved to safety in Nelson Mandela Bay [2].

Local disaster management teams continue to monitor the Gamtoos River and the dam's stability. No fatalities have been recorded as of the latest reports from the region.

“The dam has reached 113% of its capacity.”

The overflow of the Kouga Dam beyond its 100% capacity indicates a critical failure in water containment, forcing a rapid shift from monitoring to emergency evacuation. The discrepancy in evacuation numbers and the presence of residents refusing to leave suggest significant challenges in coordinating large-scale disaster responses in rural Eastern Cape regions.