Officials continue to monitor situation in WC amid inclement weather

The City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management Centre says it continues to monitor any impacts that may arise due to the inclement weather. It says the Level 4 Warning by the Weather Service for disruptive rain in the City, as well as the West Coast and Garden Route regions, has been cancelled for today.

It says no significant impacts have been reported so far.

Humanitarian aid organisation, Gift of the Givers, says they have been assisting residents in a number informal communities in the Western Cape during a cold snap being experienced with icy and wet conditions.

Foundation Operations Manager, Ali Sablay, says teams are assisting residents  in Lwandle, whose dwellings are water logged.

“Our teams have been on the grounds to do assessments in Numzamo, Lwandle, Khayelitsha, Du Noon. And our teams are currently on sight in Lwandle to distribute blankets, warm clothing, sleeping mats and hot meals to the affected families. We are seeing an increase in informal settlement fires during this period as community members try any means to keep them and their families warm. Our teams are on standby for the harsh conditions and inclement weather and the weather warning that is predicted for the Western Cape,” says Sablay.

The rain and harsh weather conditions have affected over 700 households in the Ezinkomeni informal settlement in Lwandle.

Ward Councillor, Xolani Diniso, says, “As you can see they are sitting outside because inside their structures everything has been destroyed. Some of them even their beds and blankets are wet. They won’t be able to even sleep today because everything that they normally sleep on is wet.

Severe weather expected into next week: Xolani Duniso, Ward Councillor

Resident Luphumlo Nzuzo says the situation is unbearable.

“We are leaving here under the conditions, more and more in times of winter. Our houses are full of water even now. Even when I go inside my house, I put blocks down so that I can go on top of them, so that I don’t reach the water. When we are cooking we must be on top of the bed,” says Nzuzo.

The City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management Centre says it continues to monitor any impacts that may arise due to the inclement weather.

Disaster Management Spokesperson, Charlotte Powell, says, “”Thus far, no significant impacts have been reported to the Disaster Operations Centre, although this situation might change as the day progresses. The public is reminded to direct any requests for City services via the online platforms or the Customer call centre on 0860 103 089. Emergency incidents should be directed to the Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700.”

Warmer temperatures have been forecast in coming days.

Extreme Weather Warning | Low Pressure Systems & Freezing Temperatures: Michelle du Plessis