The intense weather that was experienced in South Africa on Saturday September 23, has brought a host of challenges to the Western Cape, including uprooted trees, flooding in both informal and formal settlements, road closures, and power outages.
In Cape Town, specific areas affected by flooding include Shuku-Shukma, Sir Lowry’s Pass Village, Rasta Camp, Riemvasmaak, 7de Laan Sandvlei Macassar, Old Faure Driftsands, Mfuleni, and Bellville South.
“Flooding of houses has been reported in several areas including Durbanville, Bo-Kaap, Schaapkraal, Bellville South, Belhar, Sandvlei Macassar, Strand, Gordon’s Bay and Knorhoek. Emergency services have assisted four people trapped in a house in Strand and evacuated them to Strand fire station.
“The roof was blown off a private property in the CBD, while a dwelling in Hout Bay was damaged due to wind,” said Charlotte Powell, spokesperson for Cape Town disaster risk management.
Assessments will persist to gauge the extent of damage.
Widespread flooding is reported in the city, with the N2 at Victoria Road in Strand experiencing severe disruption.
“Denehof and Sunset Boulevard in Gordon’s Bay is closed, as well as Sir Lowry’s Pass and Baden Powell Drive. Traffic services are in attendance.
“At Wemmershoek dam the sluice gate has been opened to mitigate downstream flooding. The Lourens and Eerste rivers have burst their banks.
“Reports have been received from Hout Bay Main Road, Macassar, Rondebosch East, Durbanville, Kuilsriver, Woodstock, Klipheuwel IFS and Malmesbury farms,” said Powell.
When conditions permit, Mitchells Plain’s experts will endeavor to restore electricity.