More than 158 000 people affected by 'Cape of Storms'

More than 158 000 people in Cape Town have been affected by the adverse weather conditions, since the beginning of July.

In a statement on Monday, the City of Cape Town says 47 663 structures were either flooded or damaged.

Its Disaster Risk Management Centre said its teams conducted multiple briefings over the weekend to assess the impacts and monitor the efforts to address service challenges like residential flooding, flooding of roads and infrastructure, the removal of obstructions like trees from roadways, electricity outages, as well as responses to emergency incidents.

‘’Disaster Risk Management officials are continuing with assessments in communities as calls are being logged. There has been a substantial increase in calls for assistance from backyard dwellers and assessments are being made in these areas. The City's Informal Settlements Management Department issued 1090 flood kits in various informal settlements over the weekend, in addition to the kits handed out during the week,’’ said Sonica Lategan, City of Cape Town Disaster Risk Management spokesperson.

‘’Roads and Stormwater has provided milling, sand, and sandbags. Our NGO partners Al Imdaad, Islamic Relief, Gift of the Givers, Salvation Army, MEALS ON WHEELS, Mustadafin Foundation, Ashraful and SASSA have assisted affected residents with humanitarian relief.’’

‘’The collapse at Southfield Canal in Plumstead has affected two property walls, prompting the placement of sandbags and ongoing cleaning of the canal. With rivers and other water bodies already at full capacity, catchment management officials are closely monitoring these waterways. Weather-related power outages are currently affecting twenty-four areas across the city and officials are working nonstop to restore power,’’ added Lategan.

According to the centre, at least 18 huge trees were uprooted over the weekend in the areas of Bellville, Durbanville, Constantia, Tokai, Kuilsriver, Eersteriver, Noordhoek, Silvermine, Sun Valley, Lentegeur, Sunnydale, Parkwood and Redhill.

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Lategan says many roadways have been affected, wither by flooding or rockfalls and mudslides, and that work is ongoing to address these impacts.

 

Done By: Elona Sibunzi