Cape of Storms: Thousands left destitute by devastating weather
A tree lies on top of a damaged vehicle in Uys Krige Drive near Panorama after strong winds and heavy storm conditions swept across Cape Town.
Image: Henk Kruger/Independent Newspapers
A driver killed by an uprooted tree in Kenilworth, and two others have died due to the severe storm that has left 6 000 people destitute across the metro.
The storm has also caused cancelled flights from Cape Town and George airports, along with power outages affecting scores of families is among the series of disasters caused by the storm to hit the Western Cape.
As the South African government officially classified the devastating weather a national disaster on Monday, more than one million learners are staying home on Tuesday as the Western Cape Education Department announced the closure of all schools across the province.
"A number of schools have also suffered damage due to the storm, which is currently being assessed. We will continuously monitor and evaluate the situation to ensure that schools can reopen as soon as possible, which is currently expected to be on Wednesday, May 13," said WCED spokesperson, Bronagh Hammond.
The City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management Centre said assessments showed 1 655 dwellings sustained impacts affecting over 5 600 people by Monday afternoon, while in Wynberg, several neighbours had the roofs of their homes blown off.
Several homes suffered significant roof damage as gale-force winds swept through Wynberg, leaving residents in distress.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane
“We have activated our humanitarian relief partners to provide warm meals and blankets to those affected.
"Completed assessments will also be forwarded to Sassa and the National Department of Human Settlements,” said Disaster Mangement spokesperson, Charlotte Powell.
She said one person died after a tree fell onto the vehicle they were in, in Kenilworth.
In the second incident, a motorist was injured when a tree fell on their vehicle in Parow.
Safety and Security mayco member JP Smith said the Fire and Rescue Service has volunteered the use of its heavy rescue crane to help remove fallen trees.
The storm has caused widespread flooding in informal settlements, displacing thousands in Khayelitsha.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/ Independent Media
"Our officers are doing duty at intersections, assisting where roads have been closed due to flooding or fallen trees, and responding to calls for help. We are supporting other departments and lending a hand where possible. I want to encourage residents to stay indoors where possible, take extra precautions on the road if you have to go out and report incidents immediately," Smith said.
Thousands of households also had to endure a cold, dark night following power outages that caused significant damage to infrastructure reported in:
The Southern Suburbs: Claremont, Plumstead, and Bergvliet.
The Northern Districts: Durbanville, Vredekloof, and Ravensmead.
The Peninsula: Bo-Kaap and Observatory.
The Atlantic & Helderberg: Strand and Helena Heights.
Powell said multiple informal settlements have been affected by the flooding, prompting urgent responses from emergency services.
“Flooding has been reported in the following informal settlements – Island, Makhaza, and Monwabisi in Khayelitsha, Imizamo Yethu, Nomzamo, Lwandle, Phola Park, Gugulethu, Valhalla Park, Vygieskraal, Tafelsig, Delft, and Kampies,” Powell said.
Meanwhile, along Table Mountain National Park, management teams are addressing multiple incidents, including fallen trees and branches, flash flooding, water-related damage to infrastructure, and hazardous trail conditions.
Park officials have also confirmed that they are monitoring for necessary wildlife rescue operations.
"The SANParks strongly urges the public to avoid all unnecessary travel and hiking within the affected park areas. Extreme caution is advised, particularly around rivers, streams, coastal zones, and low-lying areas, as numerous reports indicate unstable ground and fallen debris," he said.
While TMNP is extensively impacted, other SANParks sites in the Cape Region - including Agulhas, Bontebok, Tankwa Karoo, and West Coast National Park - remain operational but are on high alert.