Western Cape disaster management structures have been placed on high alert as an intense cut-off low-pressure weather system approaches the province, prompting warnings for residents, businesses, and farmers to prepare for heavy rainfall, flooding, and strong winds on Wednesday and Thursday.
The Western Cape MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, urges residents, businesses, farmers, and municipalities to prepare for the severe weather conditions.
According to the South African Weather Service (Saws), the cut-off low-pressure system is expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, very cold conditions and rough seas, with the Garden Route and parts of the Central Karoo likely to be most severely affected. The municipalities of Bitou, Knysna and George can expect accumulated rainfall of up to 200 mm.
In the Karoo, the Beaufort West Municipality can anticipate between 60mm and 80mm of rainfall over the two days.
This response follows a series of destructive storms in May that left provincial soils saturated and provincial dams near full capacity.
The expected heavy rainfall, combined with the impacts of the severe storms that affected the same regions during May, has contributed to the high-impact-based warnings issued by the weather service.
“Such significant rainfall on already saturated ground increases the risk of flooding in low-lying areas, informal settlements, roads and river catchments. Given the recent rainfall across the province and already saturated catchment areas, there is an elevated risk of rising river levels, dam spillages, infrastructure damage and disruptions to essential services. Rural and farming communities may become isolated if roads are flooded or damaged,” Bredell said.
He said rough sea conditions and wave heights of up to five metres are expected, posing a risk to small vessels and coastal activities along the coast.
Provincial and municipal disaster management structures have been activated and are monitoring developments closely. Emergency services remain on high alert, municipalities are implementing local readiness plans, humanitarian support partners have been mobilised, and health and rescue services stand ready to respond should the need arise.
Residents in affected areas are encouraged to take precautionary measures before the storm arrives. Farmers and rural communities are advised to prepare for possible isolation by ensuring sufficient supplies for people and livestock, securing equipment and infrastructure, and moving livestock away from flood-prone areas where necessary.
“Please avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges and rivers, remain indoors where it is safe to do so, keep emergency contact numbers readily available, and follow instructions issued by local authorities and emergency services,” Bredell said.
All government facilities and services, including schools, will operate as normal.
IOL
Robin-Lee Francke
iol.co.za