EMS teams rescue 16 stranded travellers in Meiringspoort flood as Western Cape urges caution ahead of busy Easter travel period.
Image: Supplied
A dramatic flood rescue in Meiringspoort has thrown the spotlight on the dangers of rapidly changing weather conditions, as the Western Cape prepares for a surge in Easter holiday travel.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) teams were mobilised on Friday, March 27, after rising water levels and rockfalls forced the closure of the scenic route, leaving multiple travellers stranded.
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness said the alert came via the Garden Route District Municipality’s disaster management team, after a vehicle was unable to exit the pass due to severe flooding.
What followed was a coordinated, multi-agency rescue operation involving EMS, the Air Mercy Service, the South African Police Service, and local fire and rescue teams from Oudtshoorn and Prince Albert.
Richard Botha, EMS manager who coordinated the response on the ground, said the operation required swift decision-making and close coordination.
“From Friday afternoon through to Saturday morning, with the operation concluding at approximately 11:30 am, teams worked to save all affected people. A total of 16 people were successfully evacuated during the incident. This includes 12 people stranded from a tourist bus on Friday and a further four truck drivers, who were safely evacuated,” he said.
Four truck drivers had to be airlifted to safety by the AMS Skymed 2 medical rescue helicopter after becoming isolated by floodwaters, highlighting the severity of conditions in the mountainous pass.
The department said EMS rescue teams are specially trained to operate in high-risk environments, including flood zones, fast-moving water and remote terrain, enabling them to reach individuals cut off from conventional rescue routes.
EMS Director Craig Wylie praised the joint effort, commending responders for their professionalism under pressure.
“To our EMS Rescue teams and our key partners, thank you for preventing injury by executing difficult rescues of people stranded in this flash flood. Your actions in Meiringspoort reflect the very best of public service, people showing up for others when it matters most,” Wylie said.
Western Cape Health and Wellness Minister Mireille Wenger said the successful operation underscored the importance of preparedness and strong inter-agency coordination.
“Thanks to the rapid and coordinated efforts of our rescue teams, stranded motorists were airlifted to safety. Moments like these remind us why preparedness matters, so that when people are at risk, we are ready to act quickly and decisively,” she said.
The rescue comes as authorities intensify safety measures ahead of the busy Easter period, traditionally marked by a sharp increase in traffic volumes across the province.
Recent road safety enforcement operations in the province have resulted in multiple drunk driving arrests, underscoring concerns about risky behaviour on the roads during peak travel periods.
Officials say the combination of increased traffic, unpredictable weather conditions and risky driving behaviour creates a heightened risk environment, placing additional strain on emergency responders.
The warning also comes amid ongoing pressure on emergency services, with recent violent crime incidents and road accidents continuing to demand rapid response and medical care across the province.
As part of its Easter readiness campaign, the department has urged residents and visitors to remain vigilant, avoid flooded routes, and comply with road closures and official safety warnings.
“This incident serves as a reminder of how quickly conditions can change,” the department said.
The department also called on the public to use healthcare services responsibly during the holiday period, reserving emergency centres for severe and life-threatening cases.
Clinics and general practitioners, officials said, remain available for the treatment of minor illnesses and injuries, helping to ease pressure on emergency facilities.