Western Cape braces for more flooding as devastating rain continues to batter region

Floods

Cape Town — As devastating rain and floods continue to wreak havoc across the Western Cape, many residents have been warned to brace for another cold front.

Starting this past weekend, the Western Cape was hit by rain that continued into this week, with more than 200mm of rain recorded in Cape Town by Tuesday morning.

Authorities urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel as the rain has led to many road closures and dangerous driving conditions, TimesLIVE reported.

“Assessments to date indicate more than 14 000 structures have been affected by varying degrees of flooding or wind damage,” City of Cape Town disaster risk management centre spokesperson Sonica Lategan said on Wednesday.

“Over the past two days, NGO partners including Gift of the Givers, Ashraful Aid, Mustadafin, Islamic Relief, Al-Imdaad and the Warehouse have facilitated soft relief including handing over more than 20 000 meals, 2 550 blankets and 2 450 beanies to affected communities in Khayelitsha, Lwandle, Gugulethu, Philippi, Masiphumelele and Tafelsig, among others,” she added.

The South African Weather Services (SAWS) reported that the rain is expected to continue throughout Wednesday, with a level 8 disruptive rain warning on Thursday. The 24-hour rainfall is expected to be between 40-60mm and 80-100mm in mountainous areas.

The wet and cold start to the start of the 3rd school term, with five schools yet to open as a result of flooding damage, while a total of 82 schools were reported to be damaged, including 31 serious cases, the Western Cape Education Department said.

According to EWN, the agriculture industry has welcomed the rain, despite the damage caused to the crops and infrastructure. Agri Western Cape’s Jannie Strydom said the rain was “desperately needed.”

“The fortunate part is that our major catchment areas are filling steadily now and reaching quite full capacity, and this is our winter rain season, and we need this for our summertime. So, at this stage, we are still very fortunate and happy with the rain received and we just need to manage it,” Strydom said.

He added that the rain has come just in time and despite the potential damage to low-lying areas, he remains positive.

“The wheat that’s in the ground, it critically needed rain now and then also your canola, your barley, your oats, so it’s a critical time for us. Farmers are very pleased with this rain now.”

Cape Town residents shared pictures and videos of the floods throughout the city, as suburbs, roads, and properties have been affected.

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Compiled by Matthew Petersen

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