Work at home if possible, continued rains and strong winds wreak western cape

As the Western Cape deals with the aftermath of a severe storm that hit on Wednesday, there appears to be no relief in sight as heavy rain and strong winds continue to wreak havoc.

Despite ongoing cleanup efforts, Thursday brings no respite, as the Disaster Risk Management Centre remains on high alert, expecting additional impacts over the weekend and into the following week. MEC Anton Bredell for Local Government, Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning has stated that more inclement weather is expected, prompting preparations for its potential consequences. In light of the situation, humanitarian organisations have been asked to assist.

Bredell emphasised the importance of keeping affected individuals, particularly those living in high-risk areas, up to date on the evolving situation. We have requested that our non-governmental organisation partners provide humanitarian relief to those affected in informal communities,” he stated. Moreover, various departments, including the South African Weather Service and the Department of Water and Sanitation’s Dam Safety Unit, are closely monitoring the situation and preparing to offer assistance as needed.

At this time, News24 has confirmed that 12 schools have been forced to close, and power outages have been reported in at least 16 areas. Rivers have overflowed, flooding and impassable roads. The majority of the affected schools, according to Kerry Mauchline, spokesperson for Education MEC David Maynier, are in the Cape Winelands. The extent of the flooding can be seen in social media videos, and many people have been forced to flee their homes for safety.

Olwethu Diko, a Gugulethu resident, expressed gratitude for the much-needed rain but emphasised the plight of those living in informal settlements. Diko, a mother of three, described how the flooding devastated her family, saying, “My children’s belongings were wet and destroyed.” On Wednesday morning, I bought our last loaf of bread for breakfast, but it was soaked from the flooding, and we could not eat anything. We were forced to flee our homes in search of safety elsewhere.” Fortunately, a family member provided them with shelter at a nearby shelter.

Sue Haupt, a community leader from Klipfontein Mission Station, emphasised the dire situation that many people were in as a result of the flooding. She stated that people in the area had been left homeless, and that despite their requests for help from the city, their requests were met with empty promises. Charlotte Powell, a spokesperson for the Disaster Risk Management Centre, confirmed that informal settlements in Philippi, Strand, Gugulethu, Mfuleni, Masiphumelele, and Khayelitsha were severely affected, and assessments are still underway.

Numerous roads in the area were partially or completely flooded, according to Stuart Grobbelaar, spokesperson for the Stellenbosch municipality. The overflowing rivers also inundated homes along the banks of the Eerste Rivier in Stellenbosch and the Banghoek River in Dwarsrivier. In addition, electricity supply was disrupted in Pniel, Johannesdal, and Wemmershoek due to flooded substations and electrical boxes. Because the water must first recede, the municipality was unable to provide an estimated restoration timeframe.

Mayor Gesie van Deventer urged residents to stay at home due to the ongoing flooding, emphasising their safety. “If possible, stay at home,” she advised. Please be cautious and know that we are doing everything humanly possible to avoid more disastrous situations.”

Teams from the City of Cape Town are working nonstop to address the high volume of electricity service requests. Damaged infrastructure caused by severe weather, flooding, and power outages has resulted in electrical faults in 16 areas throughout the metro. Philippi, Mfuleni, Seawinds, Kosovo, Newlands, Vasco Estate, Somerset West, Strand, Gordon’s Bay, Waterkloof, Kenilworth, Parow, Kuils River, Oakdale, Fish Hoek, and Hout Bay are among these areas. Beverley van Reenen, Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, acknowledged the difficulties in restoring power, particularly in more complex cases.

Lauren Clayton, a spokesperson for SANParks Table Mountain, advised dog walkers, hikers, and cyclists to be cautious in the aftermath of the storm. The Gift of the Givers Foundation, a humanitarian organisation, has responded to distress calls from communities throughout the Western Cape. Ali Sablay, the foundation’s spokesperson, confirmed that the foundation has been providing blankets, hot meals, and warm clothing to affected residents. Thousands of people have already received assistance, and the organisation remains committed to providing assistance where it is needed.