Cape Town prepares for mudslides

The City of Cape Town has made contingency plans to minimise the threat of mudslides and flooding from the burnt slopes of Table Mountain after this year’s wide-spread mountain fires. Transport, Roads and Planning Executive Director Mike Marsden says the city has prepared plans in partnership with South African National Parks to address emergency situations should they arise during the upcoming winter rainfall period. As a precautionary measure, all stormwater drains below the burnt areas are being cleaned to limit the possibility of blockages and possible flooding. Various measures have also been proposed, such as special gabion weirs in certain areas to intercept debris and slow the flow of water down the slopes.