As mop-up operations and assessments continue across the metropole following the recent severe weather conditions, the Disaster Risk Management Centre (DRMC) said the number of affected structures at this stage has risen to 2 779 – subject to more detailed assessment.
DRM officials are monitoring high-risk areas and determining the need for humanitarian and engineering relief where impacts have been reported. Volunteers are assisting with damage assessments.
Also read: 1500 residents displaced as Kiyamandi shack fires wreak havoc
According to DRM spokesperson Charlotte Powell, at least 28 incidents have been listed of areas where structural damage occurred due to strong winds, including Delft, Mitchell’s Plain, Khayelitsha, Blue Downs, Somerset West, Northpine, Sir Lowry’s Pass, Monwabisi and commercial properties in Strand.
‘Reports of flooding were also received in Gaba Village (Leonsdale/Epping area), 12 structures in Empolweni, Khayelitsha and approximately 400 structures in Monwabisi,’ said Powell. ‘In many instances, affected residents are sheltering with friends and family.’
Over 100 incidents of uprooted/damaged trees have been reported since Sunday, as well as incidents of burst pipes, electricity outages and road closures.
Heavy winds also fanned wildfires in the Glencairn area in Cape Town
Humanitarian relief has been arranged through the DRM, with Gift of the Givers, Islamic Relief, Mustadafin Foundation, Checkers 60/60, Peninsula Beverages and Community Chest providing donations in the form of food, blankets, water and refreshments.
The City added that GrandWest will be donating soft relief to the amount of R132 000.
Meanwhile, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) said 144 schools in the province have reported damage, ranging from minor, such as leaks and fallen trees, to significant, such as missing roof panels. These are currently being assessed and some repairs have already been started.
According to Education MEC David Maynier, all Western Cape schools will reopen on Wednesday.
84 schools in the Overberg and 281 in the Cape Winelands education districts remain closed today, while schools in the Helderberg basin have reopened.
‘There may be schools that request closure due to severe infrastructure damage or inaccessibility. This will be considered by the Department on a case-by-case basis through the normal procedures for requesting school closure,’ said Maynier.
Also read:
80 loggerhead turtles rescued along WC coastlines amid storms
Picture: City of Cape Town / Facebook