Severe weather grips Western Cape as emergency response intensifies

WESTERN CAPE NEWS - Western Cape Human Settlements and Local Government MEC Anton Bredell has reiterated that the safety of residents and all people remains the foremost priority guiding government’s response to the severe weather conditions affecting large parts of the province.

According to the South African Weather Service, between 150mm and 200mm of rainfall has already been recorded in some mountainous regions.

Impact-based warnings for heavy rain and strong winds remain in place for today, although conditions are expected to begin improving later today and into tomorrow.

“As soon as the weather allows, we will focus all our efforts on humanitarian relief, damage assessments and mopping-up operations,” Bredell said.

He also extended gratitude to non-governmental organisations and volunteer groups working alongside government to ensure that vulnerable residents have access to shelter, dry clothing and warm meals.

“If you are in a position to contribute to a local relief organisation, your small contribution may mean the world to someone less fortunate than you,” Bredell appealed.

The Provincial Disaster Management Centre, which coordinates stakeholder responses, reported extensive humanitarian relief efforts currently underway across the province. All districts have indicated that residents are in need of shelter and food, with many being accommodated in community halls.

The City of Cape Town has reported widespread damage across 26 informal settlements. Preliminary estimates suggest that close to 11 000 structures have been damaged, affecting as many as 42 000 people.

The Provincial Department of Health and Wellness has confirmed six weather-related fatalities since the first cold front made landfall last week.

Several road closures remain in place, according to the Provincial Mobility Department.

Citrusdal is currently cut off from the N7, while other affected routes include the Du Toitskloof Pass, the Huguenot Tunnel on the N1, Bainskloof Pass, as well as sections of the N1 near the Du Toitskloof Lodge area and between Sandhills and De Wet Kelder.

The Department of Water and Sanitation says dam inflows are continuing and are being closely monitored around the clock.

River systems across the province are under pressure, with the Berg and Breede Rivers flowing strongly and multiple tributaries contributing to rising volumes. The Diep River requires close monitoring, while the Olifants River is also experiencing significant inflows.

Meanwhile, the Theewaterskloof Dam, the largest in the Western Cape, has risen sharply from 47% to 62% capacity over the past week.

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