Severe weather has left a trail of destruction across the Western Cape, displacing thousands of residents, damaging infrastructure, and overwhelming humanitarian response systems as floodwaters continue to impact several districts.
The extreme weather has affected communities across Cape Town and surrounding regions, including Khayelitsha, Philippi, Mfuleni, and Suurbraak in the Garden Route, where more than 5 500 people are currently living in temporary shelters after being forced from their homes.
In response to the growing humanitarian crisis, FoodForward SA has ramped up emergency food relief efforts, working alongside local beneficiary organisations and disaster management teams to provide cooked meals, nutritious snacks, and essential food supplies to displaced families.
“Many families have lost access to food and basic necessities. Every contribution will help us strengthen our response and reach more affected households during this crisis,” said FoodForward SA Managing Director Andy Du Plessis.
He added that support from partners has already made a significant difference on the ground: “We are deeply grateful to our partners MARS, Tiger Brands, OneFarm Share and Massmart, who have already stepped up to pledge their support.”
As humanitarian needs continue to grow, FoodForward SA has issued an urgent appeal to the public, corporate donors, retailers, farmers and food producers to contribute non-perishable food, fresh produce, financial donations, and media amplification to support ongoing relief operations.
Meanwhile, authorities say the Western Cape Government’s Joint Operations Centre remains fully activated as rescue and recovery efforts continue across multiple districts.
Western Cape Minister for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Anton Bredell confirmed that although weather conditions have started to improve, emergency operations remain at a critical stage.
He also conveyed condolences to affected families after the Provincial Department of Health and Wellness confirmed 10 fatalities linked to the severe weather conditions.
“Minister Bredell offered the Western Cape Government’s sincerest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones during the recent storms,” according to provincial updates.
More than 2,000 people have been displaced in the Cape Winelands alone, with additional evacuations still underway in other affected areas. Humanitarian organisations and community groups continue to provide food, blankets, and hygiene supplies to shelters as demand increases.
Authorities have also warned that several river systems remain under pressure. The Clanwilliam Dam is currently at 103% capacity with all sluices open, while downstream communities are being closely monitored for safety.
The Breede River is also in flood, with flow volumes reaching 1,655m³ per second at Swellendam, raising ongoing concerns about further flooding risks.
Eskom says restoration of electricity and essential services is continuing, though progress is being slowed in some areas due to damaged infrastructure and limited access.
Health services remain operational across most regions, with contingency measures in place where facilities have been affected.
Disaster management teams, municipalities, and partner organisations remain on high alert, with coordinated operations focused on rescue missions, humanitarian relief, and infrastructure recovery as the province continues to count the human and economic cost of the disaster.