WC destructive weather: It will take weeks to rescue all trapped people - GoTG

CAPE TOWN - Humanitarian aid organisation Gift of the Givers says it is sending aid to at least 14 people trapped in Gamkaskloof, in the Western Cape, following recent heavy rains in the province.

The campsite valley is hidden deep in the heart of the Swartberg mountain range. 

The humanitarian aid organisation says roads leading up there are inaccessible due to overflowing rivers.

A helicopter has been dispatched to deliver food and other essentials, added Gift of the Givers.

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The organisation's Mario Ferreira said it's going to take a while to evacuate everyone who is trapped there.

"It's probably going to be a matter of weeks before people can get to them. Some people have been evacuated, overseas tourists so far, by ways of AMS helicopters."

Ferreira says they've also received calls for assistance in Oudtshoorn, where 400 families have been severely affected by the recent rains.

"We've distributed some blankets, hygiene packs, food parcels to the people of Oudtshoorn this morning [Thursday]. We're on our way now to De Rust, from there we will go to Dysseldorp. There are people in the Knysna area that also need assistance."