Cape Town – Stormy weather conditions have continued to affect the Western Cape province in South Africa, resulting in one reported death in the Overberg area due to drowning.
The victim was attempting to cross a flooded river.
The Western Cape Disaster Management Department has deployed rescue teams to address incidents of flooding in the province and has urged residents to exercise caution, especially those residing in low-lying areas and informal settlements.
“We appeal to the public to not cross any dams, any rivers, or any roads that have water flowing. At this stage that is a critical issue that we have to deal with,” EWN quoted the department’s chief director Colin Deiner as saying.
Difficult weather conditions have hindered access to some areas on the West Coast, such as Citrusdal, where resources and supplies are needed.
Rain causing havoc in Citrusdal in the Western Cape #Floods pic.twitter.com/LNxEUBm3CE
— Jacques Cupido (@jacquescupido12) June 15, 2023
“Citrusdal, which is cut off from the outside, we were trying to move resources into those areas with aircraft. We have not been able to get in yet because of the rain and the low cloud cover,” Deiner said.
Meanwhile, Times Live reported on Saturday that s 64-year-old man was found dead in his home in Vredendal, Western Cape, due to the extreme weather conditions.
He had chosen to stay in his house despite evacuation efforts.
“We evacuated about 20 people from the area, but this resident chose to stay in his home. He was found dead this morning. Unfortunately, we can’t release the names of the two deceased people yet,” Deiner said.
? Read: Citrusdal and Vredendal cut off by Western Cape Floods. Helicopters called in. https://t.co/bbhF9T9k2i
Contributions can be made to Gift of the Givers, Standard Bank, Pietermaritzburg, Account number 052137228, Branch Code 057525, ref SA disaster. pic.twitter.com/IVukO7bf8A
— Gift of the Givers (@GiftoftheGivers) June 17, 2023
The Western Cape’s disaster management team is conducting rescue operations in the affected areas, particularly concerned about the Olifants River.
Evacuations are ongoing in problem areas like Klawer and the Matzikama local municipality.
The region’s weather problems are expected to continue, with another cold front predicted to hit the province.
With heavy rains in the Western Cape – A reminder -Road Safety and Flood Risks for Drivers and Pedestrians – Don’t Risk Driving through flowing Water!! https://t.co/KGctJvBoYt #ArriveAlive@ReenvalSA @afriwx @WCGovSafelyHome pic.twitter.com/TjAZDMmzOE
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) June 15, 2023
The Cape winelands experienced the most severe impact, with heavy rainfall causing flooding in various areas.
The authorities are closely monitoring the situation and providing support using helicopters and other aircraft for rescue and reconnaissance efforts.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: Twitter/@FsTebza
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
