Heavy rain and strong winds battered Cape Town, causing widespread disruption across the city. Localised flooding in low-lying areas led to several road closures, while fallen trees and waterlogged routes made driving conditions hazardous.
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
Disaster Risk Management teams were on Sunday deployed to assess damage in parts of Cape Town following persistent heavy rainfall that has led to flooding and structural impacts in vulnerable communities. Snow was also reported in mountainous regions.
According to Disaster Risk Management spokesperson Sonica Lategan, officials were on the ground in Mkhonto Square Informal Settlement in Nyanga and Brown’s Farm, where reports indicated that structures were affected.
“Disaster Risk Management officials will be conducting assessments in the Mkhonto Square Informal Settlement in Nyanga, as well as Brown’s Farm,” said Lategan.
Heavy rain and strong winds battered Cape Town, causing widespread disruption across the city. Localised flooding in low-lying areas led to several road closures, while fallen trees and waterlogged routes made driving conditions hazardous.
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
She added that the full extent of the damage was being determined as teams continued their inspections.
“Our Disaster Operations Centre received reports that structures in these areas have been affected by the heavy downpours, although the extent can only be confirmed once assessments are completed,” she said.
The City also reported widespread localised flooding across parts of the metropole, with several incidents routed to the Transport Management Centre for urgent attention by Roads and Stormwater teams.
“Several roads in Parkwood have been affected,” Lategan confirmed, as authorities worked to respond to disruptions caused by rising water levels and poor drainage conditions.
Heavy rain and strong winds battered Cape Town, causing widespread disruption across the city. Localised flooding in low-lying areas led to several road closures, while fallen trees and waterlogged routes made driving conditions hazardous.
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
Adverse weather conditions were expected to persist into the early hours of Monday.
Meanwhile, Matroosberg Nature Reserve reported on social media that snow had fallen over the Worcester mountain range, but that it was limited to the highest-lying peaks.
“The snow has arrived. It is cold and stormy. Snow only right at the peaks, nothing low down,” the reserve said, adding that hiking trails would remain closed while the severe weather conditions persist.
The South African Weather Service said a distinct cold front had moved across the region, bringing widespread showers to the south-western parts of the Western Cape. It added that rainfall totals were expected to reach between 30mm and 60mm, with the heaviest precipitation likely over mountainous areas.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas. Emergency incidents can be reported to the Public Emergency Communications Centre on 021 480 7700.