The City of Cape Town has reported significant flooding on several major roads, including the N2 outbound after Robert Sobukwe, the M3 inbound after Woolsack Drive, and the N1 incoming before Koeberg Road. Hundreds of homes have also been waterlogged across the metro.
Weather Forecast
SAWS warned on Thursday that disruptive rain would lead to flooding and possible mudslides affecting Cape Town, Drakenstein, and Stellenbosch municipalities.
Disaster Response
The City’s Disaster Operations Centre has been inundated with calls about flooding in various areas, including Khayelitsha, Joe Slovo Park in Milnerton, Sir Lowry’s Pass Village, Nomzamo in Strand, Mfuleni, Driftsands, Masiphumelele, Dunoon, and Gugulethu.
Following an inspection in Dunoon, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis confirmed that the City’s Roads Infrastructure and Stormwater teams are addressing severe localised flooding. Over 70 neighborhoods have reported badly flooded roads and waterlogged houses, with more than 7,000 structures affected, primarily in informal settlements. Hill-Lewis also noted that the Liesbeek, Lotus, and Eerste Rivers had burst their banks, with further rainfall expected to cause more canals and rivers to overflow.
Education Sector
As learners returned to school yesterday, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) reported that 82 schools suffered weather-related damages. Despite criticisms for reopening schools amid the weather warnings, WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond stated that the alert levels and advice did not justify a complete closure. Only five primary schools were closed due to flooding, inaccessible access routes, and building damage.
Pinelands North Primary School Grade 6 teacher Stanley Chilambe emphasized the need for schools to operate safely under the current conditions, highlighting the persistent challenges and inequalities in the education sector.
Relief Efforts
Disaster relief organization Gift of the Givers (GoTG) has been actively assisting displaced and affected communities since Friday. Project manager Ali Sablay reported that 22,350 people are displaced and in need of assistance. In Drommedaris, Paarl, entire homes have been washed out, leaving thousands seeking temporary shelter.
Read More: Navigating Toxic Relationships
Community Response
In Rocklands, Mitchells Plain, residents took matters into their own hands, clearing drains to alleviate flooding. Resident Pastor Kyle Appollis described the dire situation, with yards completely submerged and no access in or out of homes.
Call for Donations
The City is appealing for donations of non-perishable food, personal hygiene items, nappies, baby formula, blankets, and construction materials like wood and corrugated sheeting. Donations can be dropped off at Fire Stations in Sir Lowry’s Pass, Strand, Goodwood, Ottery, Roeland Street, and Lakeside.
