Thousands affected by Western Cape floods

Loyiso Langeni
17 November 2013

City of Cape Town disaster response teams and its partner organizations has provided relief to over 18 000 people affected by severe floods.

This follows the widespread and heavy rains that caused flooding in the Western Cape.

Disaster Risk Management Spokesperson Wilfred Johannes Solomons said people in areas including Delft, Gugulethu,  Khayelitsha, Kraaifontein and Phillippi were flooded. An evacuation was initiated and people were sheltered in various halls.

“Numerous rockfalls, mudslides and landslides occurred along the mountainous areas of the City. They had to be closed for more than 24 hours. Engineering crews cleared up many of the areas where these incidents occurred.

We have also numerous areas that were left without electricity but our electricians are busy restoring all the areas, as the results of either the strong winds condition that blown down the wires or the trees that has fallen in 35 areas disconnecting the electricity accidentally.” Johannes added.

The worst affected areas occurred in the Somerset West and Strand areas, which is located within the 1:20 and 1:50 year flood lines. The City of Cape Town invoked its disaster plan to ensure the safeguarding of citizens and protection of critical government infrastructure and services.