Wildfires

Wildfires - Western Cape, South Africa

The Garden Route was plummeted into chaos on Wednesday, as about 30 fires broke out across the region and Knysna residents were evacuated.

At least five people have died in the Knysna fires, which are still not under control, while damage to property is beyond calculable at this stage, reports the Knysna-Plett Herald. On Wednesday – three people, a man, his wife and their son – died in Rheenendal when they could not escape the flames. An elderly man who lives in Brenton had a heart attack and died. A four-year-old girl was found dead by her father on Thursday morning, in Welbedaght.

Plettenberg Bay residents have started to evacuate as the devastating fire that started burning in the Kranshoek area on Wednesday has spread to the outskirts of the coastal holiday town. Details are not clear, but residents in the Whale Rock and Longships areas near Robberg have started to evacuate. Residents in the the Schoongezicht and Branckenrkidge estates have been urged to remain on high alert.