While several major roads remain closed and thousands continue to mop up after last weekend’s destructive storm, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde visited the Breede Valley on Saturday to inspect the damage in one of the province’s most devastated areas.
Also read: WC storm: Latest agricultural losses estimated at R1.4bn
Farmers and residents suffered significant losses, and as the community continues to recover, Winde has praised disaster management in the area for their efforts to help those in need.
‘Our first priority has always been the safety of all residents,’ said the premier in a meeting with local farmers. ‘We are now intensifying our humanitarian efforts.’
Disaster management officials from the Breede Valley Municipality, as well as Deputy Executive Mayor Juben Von Willingh, were also present and gave the premier an update on their recovery and humanitarian efforts.
With the help of NGOs, about 700 people affected by the flooding in the Doorn River region have so far received relief aid.
Some communities were cut off by heavy flooding.
Today I went to the Doornsrivier community in Breede Valley to see for myself the impact of the storm last week. 🌧️
Our first priority was to ensure that our citizens are safe, and received humanitarian and social relief. pic.twitter.com/i6oB1o5RVA
— Premier Alan Winde 🇿🇦 (@alanwinde) September 30, 2023
However, farmers have been helping disaster teams repair damaged gravel roads to reach these residents and ensure they receive assistance.
Winde lauded disaster management teams that are working hand-in-hand with law enforcement agencies and NGOs to assist communities.
‘I am very proud of all our disaster officials. I also want to thank farmers who have been helping our disaster units. The Provincial Disaster Management Centre was well prepared for the inclement weather through its early warning system. The extent of the damage is immense, and it will take time for us to recover,’ he added.
The premier continued, ‘But we need to learn lessons from this and past natural disasters. Future planning is critical in responding to the impact of climate change.’
Several roads remain closed and the public are urged to visit the Western Cape Government’s website for the latest updates.
As of Monday morning, the road between Grabouw and the R44 Arabella (Highlands Road) has yet to reopen, as is the case with the R45 Villiersdorp to Caledon (Draaiberg) and the N2 Botrivier to Caledon.
The R45 Franschoek and Van der Stel Passes also remain closed.
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Look: Aerial photographs capture the aftermath of the storm and floods
Picture: Western Cape Government / Facebook