- Cape Town is experiencing persistent stormy weather with severe rainfall expected to continue throughout the week.
- Numerous roads are closed or obstructed due to flooding, and the Disaster Management Centre is addressing weather-related impacts.
- Donations are being requested to assist families affected by the storm.
The City of Cape Town is preparing for a week of persistent stormy weather, with severe rainfall and strong winds forecasted to continue.
Cape Town weather: Here’s an update from the Disaster Management Centre
The City’s Disaster Management Centre reported ongoing efforts to address the widespread impacts of the persistent rainfall.
Rivers and canals, including Eersteriver in Macassar, reached capacity, with some bursting their banks.
Flooded roads across the metropolis complicated the situation, despite the Roads Department’s continuous work to clear blockages in the stormwater system.
Humanitarian relief agencies, such as Gift of the Givers, Ashraful Aid, Islamic Relief, The Workshop, the Mustadafin Foundation, and Alimdaad, are assisting affected communities in areas like Khayelitsha, Lwandle, Nomzamo, Gugulethu, Philippi, Masiphumelele, Philippi East, Mfuleni, Tafelsig, and Vygieskraal.
Motorists advised to avoid these roads
Numerous roadways have been affected by the continuous rainfall.
Notable incidents include:
- Clarence Drive in Gordon’s Bay is closed.
- The N2 outbound after Robert Sobukwe and the ramp to Borchards Quarry are affected.
- On the M3 inbound, the left lane is closed after Woolsack Drive.
- The right lane is obstructed on the N1 incoming before Koeberg Road.
Motorists are urged to proceed with extreme caution, drive with headlights on, and maintain sufficient following distances in case of sudden braking.
Cape Town weather: Level 8 disruptive rains forecasted this week
The South African Weather Service issued several warnings for Cape Town and surrounding areas:
- Orange Level 6 Warning for Disruptive Rain: Expected over the City of Cape Town, Drakenstein, and Stellenbosch municipalities, with potential impacts including flooding and mudslides.
- Yellow Level 4 Warning for Damaging Winds: Expected over the central and eastern parts of the Western Cape and the southern parts of the Namakwa district municipality in the Northern Cape, posing risks of property damage, difficult driving conditions, and communication and power interruptions.
- Orange Level 8 Warning for Disruptive Rain on Thursday, 11 July 2024: This severe weather is expected to exacerbate the current impacts.
The Philippi Clinic is closed due to flooding, and clients are advised to visit the Hanover Park Community Health Centre.
The Weltevreden Clinic is also closed due to roof damage and flooding. Clients should delay clinic visits or visit other nearby health facilities.
How to donate to families affected by Cape Town
Cape Town’s residents are encouraged to donate to assist NGOs in helping affected families. Essential items include non-perishable food, personal hygiene products, nappies, baby formula, blankets, and construction materials like wood and corrugated sheeting. Donations can be dropped off at the following fire stations:
- Goodwood Fire Station
- Lakeside Fire Station
- Ottery Fire Station
- Roeland Street Fire Station
- Sir Lowry’s Pass Fire Station
- Strand Fire Station
Alternatively, donations can be coordinated through the Disaster Risk Management Centre by calling 021 597 5042 (8AM-6PM) or emailing [email protected].
As the city braces for more severe weather, all City services are on alert to manage incidents and provide necessary support.