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Read more Impact of Inclement Weather across CapeNature Reserves in May 2026

CapeNature (Western Cape Nature Conservation Board)Ref: https://www.capenature.co.za/news/2026/impact-of-inclement-weather-across-capenature-reserves-in-may-2026

Official source

Source domain: capenature.co.za

Collected on 28 June 2026

Always confirm details on the official source before acting.

Our copy (archived 14 July 2026)Official source

What this means

This document is a CapeNature news article dated 4 June 2026 about the impact of extreme inclement weather on CapeNature reserves in May 2026. It reports that after a cut-off low-pressure system and two cold fronts, 85% of reserves experienced some damage, with the Cederberg region hardest hit due to severe flooding following a December fire. CapeNature says it is estimating the damage to be in the millions of rands and will conduct a comprehensive damage assessment tour with Department of Infrastructure officials from 8 to 12 June. It also notes that early-season flooding allowed dams to act as flood attenuation structures, but dam releases must be managed cautiously to avoid increasing flood risks.

Facts

Places

Western Cape

Reference

https://www.capenature.co.za/news/2026/impact-of-inclement-weather-across-capenature-reserves-in-may-2026

Key Takeaways

  • CapeNature news article
  • Date of article: 4 Jun 2026
  • Extreme weather began early May 2026 (cut-off low-pressure system hit Garden Route)
  • Two cold fronts swept through rest of Western Cape a week later
  • 85% of reserves reported at least some damage
  • Cederberg region hardest hit; severe flooding after December fire that burnt 53 000 hectares
  • Damage types: topsoil washed into rivers/roadways; damage to roads, hiking trails, office buildings, storage facilities, staff housing
  • Damage estimated to be millions of rands
  • Additional funding secured from national disaster declaration in 2023 and 2024 for earlier flood repairs
  • Comprehensive damage assessment tour: 8 to 12 June (with Department of Infrastructure officials)
  • Flooding occurred early in winter; dams not yet full and served as flood attenuation structures
  • Dam releases must be done with extreme caution to avoid added flood risk
  • CapeNature
  • Department of Infrastructure
  • South African Weather Service (SAWS)
  • Western Cape Government
  • Department of Infrastructure officials
  • CapeNature staff
  • Cederberg region

Dates

Closing Date

4 June 2026