Cango Mountain Resort Evacuates Trapped School Group Following Western Cape Storm

Following heavy rains this week, a group of school children and adults, who were trapped in the Cango Mountain Resort outside Oudtshoorn, Western Cape, finally managed to escape to safety as the river water levels subsided on Wednesday.

The school group included seven Gr 7 learners from Aliwal North Primary School and ten adults, they were caught off-guard by a storm that caused the Le Roux River, which runs through the resort, to overflow and cut off exit routes. The group was on their annual Cape Town school tour and had planned to leave the resort on Monday morning.

In response to the crisis, an emergency helicopter was deployed on Monday, supplying the isolated party with essential food and water.

Oudtshoorn mayor, Chris Mcpherson, expressed his relief after the team successfully crossed the river on Wednesday morning, remarking, "We are pleased to announce that the school group and adults who were trapped at the Cango Mountain Resort were able to safely cross the river after the water levels subsided during the night. They are now safe and already home”.

Upon their safe return, the school’s principal, Ronel Bester, shared that the learners and accompanying teachers received a hearty welcome. She extended her gratitude towards the Oudtshoorn mayor for his unwavering support, stating, "Parents and teachers formed a welcome-home guard of honor. It was not raining when they went to sleep over at the resort on Monday on their way home. Everyone is happy and pleased they are all home, including our thanks to the mayor of Oudtshoorn for taking care of our people.”