- Rampant floods cause widespread damage in Cape Town.
- Traffic department offices closed and licence tests cancelled.
- Several clinics shut down due to flood-related impacts.
Severe flooding in Cape Town has left widespread devastation, impacting traffic, healthcare services, and residential areas.
Watch: Rampant floods wreak havoc in Cape Town
A cold front has brought torrential rains, strong winds, and significant disruptions this week.
By Wednesday afternoon, some areas had recorded up to 67mm of rainfall, with predictions indicating even more rain to come.
The flooding affected numerous roads, with closures reported on major routes such as Sable Service Road, Hugo Street in Goodwood, and Kommetjie Road in Fish Hoek.
The Disaster Operations Centre was inundated with calls about weather-related impacts, including obstructed roadways, residential flooding, and electricity outages.
In Wynberg, wind-related damage to several houses was reported, with assessments ongoing to determine the full extent of the destruction.
Traffic dept closes offices with licence tests cancelled
The City’s Traffic Service announced the deferral of driving licence tests at several Driving Licence Testing Centres (DLTCs) due to weather-related impacts.
Affected DLTCs included Parow, Elsies River, Durbanville, Fish Hoek, Gordon’s Bay, and Kuilsriver.
These closures were necessitated by the flooded and obstructed test yards and roads along the test routes.
The City, in a statement, confirmed it’s been contacting affected applicants to reschedule their tests.
Additionally, multiple roadways were affected by the floods, leading to significant traffic disruptions.
The N1 inbound before the Koeberg Road interchange, Broadlands Road in Gordon’s Bay, and Frans Conradie Drive in Boston were among the roads impacted by the flooding and fallen trees.
Cape Town clinics closed due to floods
Several clinics in Cape Town were forced to close due to the severe weather conditions.
The Philippi, Weltevreden, and Parkwood clinics were shut down, with clients advised to visit the nearest alternative facilities until further notice.
The closures were necessary to ensure the safety of both staff and patients, as the flooding and strong winds posed significant risks.
Humanitarian relief efforts were also underway, with various NGOs assisting in the most impacted areas, including Khayelitsha, Gugulethu, and Masiphumelele.
The South African Weather Service issued an Orange Level 8 warning for disruptive rain, forecasting potential flooding and mudslides in Cape Town, Drakenstein, and Stellenbosch municipalities.
The heavy rains, coupled with strong winds reaching speeds of up to 90 km/h, are expected to cause significant disruptions through Friday.
Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, remain indoors, and keep informed through reputable news outlets.