The City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management Centre says it is monitoring for any impacts as the metro is experiencing inclement weather.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued an alert of
an intense cold front that made landfall on Wednesday in the Western Cape, bringing
heavy rainfall, strong winds, snow, and extremely rough sea conditions.
COURTESY: X - @CapeTownFreewayThe City on Wednesday afternoon received incidents of wind
damage in Khayelitsha, overflowing canal in Vygieskraal and Southfield.
‘’ The roads around the city are incredibly wet
and visibility is poor, so we urge motorists to please slow down and drive with
their headlights on. Please also be on alert for any obstructions on the
roadway, like tree branches and other debris,’’ said Sonica Lategan, City of
Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management Centre spokesperson.
Lategan said the Centre also received requests for flood
kits from some residents in Lwandle, Macassar and Khayelitsha.
‘’These requests have been escalated to the Informal
Settlements Management branch for assessment and activation… We are awaiting
confirmation on impacts to residents in these areas – our NGO partners are on
standby to provide soft relief where needed.’’
At the same time, traffic officials say it received a
number of roads that are flooded, but stressed that roads remain open at this
time
‘’There are currently no weather-related road closures;
however, we do have a number of reports of flooded roads, including Greenwich
Road in Diep River; Govan Mbeki and Edward Makele in Gugulethu; Klipfontein
Road in Gugulethu; Manitoba close in Portlands, Mitchell's Plain,’’ said Maxine
Bezuidenhout, City of Cape town Traffic Service spokesperson.
‘’The wet conditions are expected to continue for the next
few days. Motorists are urged to watch their speed and following distance, and
to drive with their headlights on,’’ she added.
Meanwhile, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) appealed
to those at sea as well as coastal hikers and walkers to be cautious
‘’ We are appealing to the public and to the
maritime community to follow SAWS weather forecasts and to exercise caution
during this time. Don’t venture down to the coastline or launch to go to sea
unless absolutely necessary. Commercial seafarers, sailors and fishermen who
are at sea during this time – wear your life jackets while at sea and exercise
caution,’’ said Craig Lambinon, NSRI spokesperson.
Done by: Mitchum George
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