Stellenbosch's Vlottenburg Primary School set to temporarily close after access bridge overflows
Western Cape Disaster Management said 283 pupils and 32 teaching staff were evacuated unharmed on Thursday, and no other injuries were reported.
Flood warning sign in Western Cape, South Africa in 2023. Picture: Science Photo Library via AFP
CAPE TOWN - The Western Cape Education Department says Vlottenburg Primary School in Stellenbosch has requested to close for some time after an access bridge to the school collapsed following ongoing heavy rains in the area.
Provincial Disaster Management said that 283 pupils and 32 teaching staff were evacuated unharmed on Thursday, and no other injuries were reported.
This amid a Yellow Level 2 warning by the South African Weather Service for disruptive rains and possible strong winds in the Western Cape this week.
The provincial education department's Bronagh Hammond said engineering service personnel had been deployed to look at the damage.
"The river into the access bridge to the school overflowed following the high rainfall in the area which forced the learners and educators to take an alternative route out of the school."
Meanwhile, provincial disaster management authorities have urged the public to only travel when it is necessary to do so.