The Western Cape Disaster Management Centre has confirmed that five people have died since yesterday (May 11), while severe weather conditions continue across the province today. 

In an interview with eNCA, the head of the Western Cape Disaster Management Centre, Colin Deiner, said that at this stage, only three deaths could be confirmed as storm-related, while the deaths occurred as people were attempting to cross rivers or were caused by falling trees as a result of strong winds. 

He added that officials are still trying to verify whether two other deaths were a result of the storm. 

Thousands affected 

Charlotte Powell, the spokesperson for Disaster Risk Management at the City of Cape Town, says flooding has been reported in at least 26 informal settlements across the city. 

“Assessments to date show that 10 703 structures have sustained weather-related damage, affecting approximately 41 635 people. We are working closely with our humanitarian relief partners, who have already started providing meals and blankets in some of the affected areas. This assistance will be extended as assessments are concluded,” she explains. 

Powell adds that the assessment findings are being submitted to the South African Social Security Agency, as it is mandated to provide humanitarian assistance, and to the National Department of Human Settlements. 

Infrastructure damage 

“In terms of infrastructure damage, multiple roads across the metro have been flooded, with some incidents affecting surrounding properties. The Roads and Infrastructure Management Department is attending to these incidents. Areas already attended to include Phola Park, Fisantekraal, Bonteheuwel, Parow, Bellville and Hout Bay,” she says. 

Powell adds that teams are continuing efforts to restore electricity in affected areas to clear trees that were uprooted or lost branches due to the strong winds. 

Impact on residents  

Ostrich farmer Flip Olivier says he lost half his herd of ostriches after their feet got stuck in rubble and reeds, underwater, and they drowned.  

Despite the death of his ostriches, Olivier is positive about the future, saying they prayed for rain and will rebuild what was lost in the flood. Read his story (in Afrikaans) here.

Severe weather continues 

Severe weather conditions are expected to persist throughout the day. 

The South African Weather Service has issued an Orange Level 8 warning for disruptive rainfall in the Western Cape.  

Flooding of roads, bridges and formal and informal settlements; mudslides and danger to life due to fast-flowing rivers are expected over the mountainous regions of Drakenstein, Stellenbosch, the western parts of Theewaterskloof, Breede Valley and Witzenberg local municipalities today.  
 
The damaging winds and rain have disrupted travel, and schools across the province have been closed. 

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.