Severe winter weather continues to batter the Western Cape, prompting the Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) to remain on high alert as heavy rain, strong winds and flooding affect large parts of the province, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) forecasts that the disruptive conditions, which began on Thursday 4 July, will continue through to Sunday 6 July. Rainfall between 10mm and 20mm has been recorded in many regions, particularly in mountainous areas.
The City of Cape Town has been one of the worst-affected areas. Informal settlements in low-lying parts of the metro have seen widespread flooding. Among the impacted communities are:
- Burundi (Mfuleni): 112 structures affected, impacting 119 residents.
- Zola and Oliver Tambo: Around 100 dwellings affected.
- Sweethome Farms: Approximately 200 homes affected.
- The Ark, Khayelitsha and Island in Makhaza: Each area has reported about 200 affected structures.
- Langa and Borcherds Quarry: Assessments are ongoing.
In addition to the flooding, a rockfall was reported on Victoria Road in Camps Bay, raising safety concerns for commuters along that route.
Several district municipalities have reported varying degrees of impact:
- Cape Winelands: Flooding in Paarl and Wellington, with temporary road closures including Bonnievale and sections of the Breede River crossings.
- West Coast: Multiple rural roads remain inaccessible. Lutzville Road has since reopened.
- Overberg: Closures reported on Solitaire Road and Dassiesfontein Road.
- Garden Route and Overstrand: No major incidents at this time.
Several provincial roads remain closed due to flooding and dangerous conditions. Authorities are urging motorists to avoid flooded routes and low-water bridges.
While Eskom has not reported any weather-related power issues, the Department of Water and Sanitation notes that dam levels are very high. The Berg River Dam is currently sitting at 98% capacity, with others also nearing full. The saturated soil is increasing the risk of further flooding as river levels rise.
Humanitarian assistance is being coordinated by the Department of Social Development alongside organisations such as SASSA, Gift of the Givers, Mustadafin Foundation, and The Salvation Army. Aid, including food and emergency supplies, has already been dispatched to affected communities.
Residents are advised to remain cautious, especially in flood-prone and informal areas. Avoid crossing swollen rivers and submerged bridges. Emergency response teams are stationed across the province and ready to assist where needed.
Emergency Contact Numbers:
- Cape Winelands: 021 886 9244 / 021 887 4446
- Central Karoo: 021 449 8000
- Garden Route: 021 805 5071
- Overberg: 028 425 1690
- West Coast: 022 495 0229 / 022 495 0231
- City of Cape Town: 107 (from landlines) / 021 480 7700 (from cellphones)
The PDMC continues to monitor the situation closely and urges the public to follow updates via official channels.
Also read:
Picture: Cape Town News and Traffic
Aiden Daries
www.capetownetc.com
