Western Cape storm aftermath: 10 fatalities and nearly 90,000 residents displaced
Pedestrians walk along Victoria Street in Stellenbosch during wet and cold weather conditions as rain continues to fall across parts of the Western Cape.
Image: Henk Kruger / Independent Newspapers
Humanitarian efforts have ramped in the aftermath of the catastrophic Western Cape storm that claimed the lives of 10 people and left nearly 90,000 people displaced.
Western Cape MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, said the provincial Joint Operations Centre (JOC) confirmed that while weather conditions across the province improved, emergency response and recovery operations remain at a critical level.
The Department of Health and Wellness confirmed 10 fatalities across the province related to the severe weather conditions.
Bredell said teams across the province are actively engaged in rescue efforts in several areas, particularly along the West Coast and Cape Winelands districts, where flooding and infrastructure damage have impacted thousands of residents.
The storm has caused widespread flooding in informal settlements, displacing thousands in Khayelitsha.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/ Independent Media
“More than 2,000 people have been displaced in the Cape Winelands alone, with additional evacuations and shelter operations ongoing across multiple districts. Humanitarian partners, including non-governmental organisations and community groups, continue to provide essential support such as food, blankets, and hygiene supplies,” Bredell said.
Eskom has reported that the restoration of electricity and other essential services is underway, although progress in some areas is being slowed by infrastructure damage and accessibility challenges.
Health services remain operational in most areas, with contingency measures in place where facilities have been affected.
“The provincial government, municipalities, and partner organisations remain fully mobilised, with a coordinated focus on: rescue operations, humanitarian relief, and infrastructure recovery,” Bredell said.
The City of Cape Town's Fire and Rescue Services and Metro Rescue on the scene, trying to remove a tree from the vehicle.
Image: Supplied
Authorities have warned that several river systems in the province are experiencing high flow volumes. The Clanwilliam Dam is 103% full, with all sluices open. Downstream communities are being monitored to ensure public safety, and residents are urged to follow all instructions issued by authorities.
The Breede River is currently flooding, with flow volumes of 1,655m³ per second measured at Swellendam on Wednesday morning. As a result, downstream flooding remains a significant risk. Residents are urged to remain cautious and avoid flooded areas and low-water crossings.
The Western Cape MEC for Social Development, Jaco Londt, has called on the private sector and the general public to support non-profit organisations (NPOs) as they respond to the weather-related disaster.
Londt also released the number of people who have been displaced across the Western Cape due to the severe weather conditions.
Several homes suffered significant roof damage as gale-force winds swept through Wynberg, leaving residents in distress.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Media
“To date, 3,628 people across the Western Cape have been displaced and are being housed in community halls,” Londt said.
This number includes residents in:
- West Coast: 823
- Cape Winelands: 2,200
- Overberg: 315
- Garden Route: 290
“In the City of Cape Town, 85,512 people in 22,146 homes have been impacted,” Londt said.
The Department funds five humanitarian relief organisations – Mustadafin Foundation, The Salvation Army, Community Chest of the Western Cape, Al-Imdaad Foundation, and For Afrika - to provide post-disaster support. These organisations can be supported either directly or via the Cape Care Fund.
Lwandle in Strand is one of the hardest-hit areas.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/ Independent Newspapers
They have been working alongside other relief organisations, as well as local, national, and provincial government departments, to assist affected residents. Support provided thus far includes blankets, meals, and hygiene packs.
However, Londt said the system was under severe strain due to a large number of households simultaneously impacted across the province.
“There are some areas that can’t yet be accessed due to damaged roads and infrastructure. In this regard, we appreciate the support the Western Cape Government is receiving from Working on Fire, who is flying supplies to the areas that cannot be accessed. We appeal to the public and business sector to assist within your communities if it’s safe to do so, or to support humanitarian NPOs where possible,” Londt said.