Evacuations

Heavy rains pushed the Kouga Dam to 119.2 percent capacity on Thursday morning, sending water over the spillway at a rate of 2.2 million litres per second. The sudden rise from 32 percent the day before forced evacuations in the Gamtoos River valley and flooded farms in the Eastern Cape.

January 11, 2026 Ti AI ṣe iroyin

Following the initial outbreak on January 8, wildfires continue ravaging South Africa's Eastern Cape, particularly Kouga municipality, with new flare-ups prompting dramatic boat evacuations along the Kromme River. Residents share shocking escape stories, while firefighters battle ongoing risks fueled by winds and dry conditions. Communities show solidarity, as officials stress containment efforts.