A severe storm struck Cape Town and its surrounding areas on Thursday, causing significant damage and displacing thousands of residents. The storm, characterized by heavy rains and strong winds, tore roofs off houses and led to widespread flooding.
Authorities have reported that approximately 4,500 people have been forced to leave their homes, with around 33,000 structures sustaining damage. Overall, the storm has affected an estimated 100,000 individuals.
In response to the crisis, the city and various non-governmental organizations have stepped in to provide relief. According to Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, more than 36,000 meals have been served and 6,000 blankets distributed over the past two days.
South Africa’s Weather Service had issued a Level 8 warning for heavy rainfall on Wednesday, indicating the severity of the incoming weather.
Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi visited the flood-affected regions on Thursday, expressing deep concern about the continued heavy rains.
“With a Level 8 warning, it means the rain will continue and we do not want these communities to continue in this dire state where their shelters are submerged under water,”
she stated.
Kubayi announced plans to relocate affected residents to a safer area for at least 30 days. During this time, efforts will be made to find alternative land for permanent resettlement.
“We [will] look at alternative land parcels where they can be permanently relocated to build a new life away from flood plains,”
she added.
The extreme weather also led to the closure of schools in Cape Town and surrounding areas, including Stellenbosch, a region known for its vineyards. Earlier in the week, an unusual cold front from the Atlantic Ocean brought snow to the streets.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis reported that three major rivers in the province had overflowed their banks, exacerbating the flooding.
The adverse weather, which began about a week ago, has been driven by successive cold fronts hitting the southwestern tip of Africa, resulting in gale-force winds and unprecedented rainfall. Local authorities warn that severe weather conditions are expected to persist for several more days.
