In the wake of the catastrophic Cape Town floods, which continue to wreak havoc, motorists are being urged to steer clear of certain roadways on Saturday, 17 June 2023, as several closures have been implemented to ensure public safety.
Cape Town floods: Road closures to avoid on Saturday, 17 June 2023
Given the persistently adverse weather conditions predicted to persist over the weekend, drivers are advised to avoid the following routes on the specified date:
- R44 Clarence Drive, stretching from Gordons Bay to Rooi Els
- N2/Victoria Westbound, heading towards Strand
Local authorities are working tirelessly to manage the aftermath of the localized flooding, as Cape Town bears the brunt of successive cold fronts that have battered the region throughout this week.
Cape Town medics lauded for brave Parow Canal rescue
One particularly dramatic incident unfolded when the Fire and Rescue Services sprang into action to rescue three individuals stranded in the Parow Canal near the railway line.
These brave men found themselves trapped on a canal ledge amidst the rapid surge of floodwaters.
Responding promptly to the emergency call received at 11:20 am, teams from Goodwood, Kuilsriver, Bellville, the Training Academy, and Metro Rescue collaborated in a swift water rescue operation.
With the current proving exceptionally strong, the rescue crews had to employ a rope pulley system affixed to a non-motorised craft, prioritizing the safety of the stranded individuals.
Despite the loss of communication, the dedicated teams relied on hand signals and their quick decision-making skills to navigate the challenging situation.
The first person was successfully rescued at 12:28 pm, followed by the other two at 12:38 pm.
Commending the exceptional proficiency and swiftness displayed by the City’s Fire & Rescue staff, JP Smith, Mayco Member for Safety and Security, expressed his pride in the capable and professional Fire and Rescue Dive Unit.
Cape Town floods: Gift of the Givers leads donation efforts
Meanwhile, the Western Cape Provincial Disaster Management has taken proactive measures by enlisting the aid of the SANDF Augusta helicopter and deploying two additional helicopters to deliver essential supplies to the isolated towns of Citrusdal and Vredendal.
Colin Deiner, the head of WC provincial disaster management, collaborating closely with Gift of the Givers, has requested assistance in continuously ferrying vital provisions.
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The Gift of the Givers organisation has already diverted a Johannesburg truck destined for Malmesbury, while their Cape Town teams have swiftly loaded supplies onto additional trucks bound for the same destination, aiming to avoid venturing onto the roads amidst the impending monstrous storms.
The Gift of the Givers teams has been actively supporting numerous communities along the N1, N2, and N7 since 9 June, providing urgent aid.
However, the challenging conditions, including inaccessible roads, uprooted trees, homes in low-lying areas, damaged communication infrastructure, and fallen power lines, have compounded the difficulties.
Yet, the remarkable patience, resilience, and faith displayed by affected communities remain unwavering.
During such disasters, the underlying issue of hidden, chronic hunger within these communities becomes increasingly evident.
The Gift of the Givers teams have noted this recurring pattern in past interventions, and the current crisis is no exception. Consequently, they have intensified their efforts by providing more hot meals and food parcels, even to families not directly impacted by the disaster.
The number of affected individuals continues to rise at an alarming rate, necessitating a significant influx of resources.
Alongside thousands of blankets, mattresses, sleeping bags, plastic coveralls, and hygiene packs, there is a pressing need for fortified peanut paste, nutritionally enriched Genesis cereal, new clothing, food parcels, stationery, and building materials. Distressed areas like Wuppertal and Tsitsikamma have joined the growing list of communities grappling with the ceaseless.
PLEASE TAKE NOTE:
Contributions can be made to Gift of the Givers, Standard Bank, Pietermaritzburg, Account number 052137228, Branch Code 057525, ref SA disaster.