Severe weather in Cape Town has caused significant flooding in the Qandu Qandu Informal Settlement in Greenpoint, Khayelitsha.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/ Independent Media
THE death toll from severe weather conditions in the province rose to six by Tuesday, while more than 80 000 people across Cape Town were affected by flooding and widespread damage.
The fatalities were reported in Wynberg, Knysna, George and Genadendal, where deaths have been linked to fallen trees. In Worcester, one person died after falling from a roof, while in Klaarstroom near Meiringspoort, a person drowned.
According to the South African Weather Service, between 150mm and 200mm of rainfall was recorded in some mountainous areas by Tuesday afternoon.
Severe weather in Cape Town has caused significant flooding in the Qandu Qandu Informal Settlement in Greenpoint, Khayelitsha.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/ Independent Media
Several roadways remained flooded due to persistent downpours.
In Cape Town this included the parts of the N2, the Old Mamre and Darling towards Atlantis between Philadelphia and Klein Dassenberg.
City spokesperson for Disaster Risk Management, Charlotte Powell said the latest totals from completed assessments indicate that 83 184 persons living in 21 546 dwellings have been impacted.
“We are working closely with our humanitarian relief partners who have already started assisting with meals and blankets in some of the affected areas – this relief will be extended as assessments are concluded,” Powell said.
Severe weather in Cape Town has caused significant flooding in the Qandu Qandu Informal Settlement in Greenpoint, Khayelitsha.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/ Independent Media
Several NGOs partnering with the City stepped in to assist residents in Vygieskraal, Overcome Heights, Dubai, Khayelitsha, Philippi East, the Ramaphosa informal settlement, Gugulethu, Valhalla Park, Lwandle, Mfuleni and Kampies.
A call for donations has been made for non-perishable food stuff, personal hygiene items, nappies and baby formula, as well as blankets and bedding.
The designated drop-off points are the following fire stations:
Severe weather in Cape Town has caused significant flooding in the Qandu Qandu Informal Settlement in Greenpoint, Khayelitsha.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/ Independent Media
Infrastructure MEC Tertuis Simmers said the department was in full recovery mode.
"Our teams have been out there day and night, in cold, wet and often dangerous conditions because they know communities depend on these roads. What they've done over the past week deserves real recognition. I'm proud of every one of them," he said.
He said post-flood recovery is being carried out in phases, starting with restoring safe access for residents and emergency vehicles, followed by temporary repairs to stabilise and partially reopen affected routes, and culminating in permanent repairs once engineering assessments, approvals and funding processes are completed.
"We understand the frustration when roads can't be fixed straight away. But after major flood events, we have to prioritise communities that are completely cut off, roads with no alternative route, key economic and high-traffic corridors, and ensure that emergency vehicles can get through.”
Based on updated guidance from the Provincial Disaster Management Centre and the South African Weather Service, the MEC David Maynier instructed all schools to be opened on Wednesday.
Cape Times