A dramatic helicopter rescue has saved a woman and her newborn baby who were stranded by floodwaters at the Olifants River near Calitzdorp in the Little Karoo.
The Garden Route District Municipality confirmed that the woman went into labour on Thursday night and gave birth under emergency conditions as rising floodwaters cut off access to medical assistance.
Emergency services were unable to reach the area due to severe weather and the flooded river, forcing responders to coordinate remotely.
According to officials, an Emergency Medical Services station officer guided a teacher who was with the woman via telephone, providing instructions to assist with the delivery.
A rescue helicopter was deployed on Friday morning and successfully airlifted the mother and her newborn baby girl to Oudtshoorn Hospital for medical assessment.
Authorities confirmed that both mother and child are in good condition and are recovering well.
Emergency officials praised the coordinated response, saying it ensured a safe delivery under extremely challenging weather conditions.