The cost of widespread flooding across the Western Cape in May has reached a price tag of around R9 billion.
This was revealed by the Western Cape Department of Local Government during a briefing to the Standing Committee on Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development.
The department said that despite the severity of damages, the provinces’s disaster risk management system proved its value with proactive planning, which saved hundreds of lives during the flooding.
It said the severe weather between May 5 and 12 brought 300mm of rain and 120 km/h winds.
Dave Bryant, DA Western Cape spokesperson on Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, said: “The briefing shows that the DA-led Western Cape Government leads in disaster preparedness. Our officials activated Joint Operations Centres, pre-deployed rescue teams, and issued warnings that saved lives. This includes 650 rescues, thousands sheltered, and repairs started within days. The DA in the Western Cape commends every official and volunteer who kept our province safe.”
Provincial disaster centres activated early, pre-positioning rescue teams and closing schools based on flood-risk profiling.
The department added that despite 11 fatalities, a coordinated response prevented greater tragedy, with 651 rescues, 3 690 people sheltered, over 56 000 reached with humanitarian aid, 97% of power restored, and 70% of road disruptions cleared within days.
It was also revealed that tourism impacts in CapeNature reserves included 1 241 days lost and 306 bookings affected, with the potential revenue lost estimated at R2.5 million.
During a written parliamentary reply, the Department of Agriculture further confirmed that over 1 400 hectares of farmland were damaged by the inclement weather, resulting in over R1.2 billion in agricultural and export losses.
The department added that consequently, 1 568 agricultural jobs were disrupted, with agricultural infrastructure damage exceeding R3.9 billion.
Noko Masipa, DA Western Cape spokesperson on Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, said: “Our farmers and farmworkers have shown incredible resilience, but 1 400 hectares lost, 1 500 jobs disrupted, and R3.9 billion in infrastructure damage is devastating. The DA-led Western Cape Government has activated the Rural and Sector Support structure, fast-tracked relief, and ensured commodity formations deliver aid. We will rebuild and leave no farming community behind.”
Meanwhile, one person died due to adverse weather conditions in the Central Karoo and Garden Route districts last week.
While the weather seemed to be stabilising after days of heavy rainfall, residents in the area were urged to remain cautious, as large volumes of water continue to move through river systems across the province.
At a briefing at the Joint Operations Centre last Friday, officials confirmed that the worst of the weather system has passed, with conditions clearing across most affected regions. Current forecasts indicate a return to more typical winter rainfall patterns over the coming weeks.
Staff Reporter
iol.co.za