Severe weather conditions are expected to continue as another cold front batters the province this weekend, says the South African Weather Service.
Gail-force winds and torrential rains have left a trail of destruction and misery across the Western Cape following level-6 warnings issued by the weather service for disruptive rainfall, last week.
The weather service issued a level-8 warning on Wednesday which led to the provincial education department closing schools in most districts on Thursday.
Living Hope executive director Victor Thomas said their community response teams were helping those affected by the bad weather.
More than 1 900 shacks were damaged in Masiphumelele affecting about 8 000 people.
The response team, he said, was busy with assessments in Red Hill and had responded to residents in Capricorn, Vrygrond, Overcome, and Ocean View.
“Many homes have suffered significant roof damage and flooding, leaving thousands vulnerable. Many of the homes are still ankle-deep underwater,” Mr Thomas said, adding that they were providing extra food distribution.
The team had also been supplying residents with waterproof plastic containers to keep their food and clothing dry, he said.
With more rain and wind expected in the coming days, he said, Living Hope urgently needed donations of blankets, clothing, and food for those in need.
“Your contribution can make a meaningful difference in helping the vulnerable during this devastating storm.”
In a statement, Clovelly Country Club said its clubhouse and golf course would be closed today, Friday July 12, due to extensive flooding of the course and once reopened, no golf carts would be allowed until further notice.
Ward councillor Izabel Sherry warned residents to steer clear of the Lower Silvermine Wetland bridge as the fast-flowing river was causing some of the pillars to collapse, and City staff were erecting bollards to slow the water flow.
“We can only fix the bridge once the rains have gone,” she said.
Mayoral committee member for water and sanitation Zahid Badroodien cautioned the public not to cross canals, rivers, and other bodies of fast-flowing water, or drive or walk through flood waters. Neither should they remove manhole covers to drain flooded roads.
“Removing these will cause sewers to overflow and it is also a health and safety risk to have uncovered manholes in the road.”
Mayoral committee member for corporate services Theresa Uys said the City’s 24-hour call centre had been flooded with service requests, and she asked the public not to log the same request more than once.
“The City is attending to service requests in the fastest time possible, and we ask that residents remain patient when logging their service requests telephonically. Our WhatsApp, email, and SMS channels are all up and running and are just as effective when reporting any incidents and requesting the City’s assistance.”
Mr Thomas said Living Hope would hold a public food pack-a-thon on Mandela Day, Thursday July 18, from 11am to 4pm at the Living Hope Hall, opposite Sunnyacres Shopping Centre.
Food, clothing, and blankets, can be dropped off at the Capri gate at 7 Kommetjie Main Road, Capri. Online donations can be made here. For more information, visit their website of Facebook page.
