Cape Town: 41 informal settlements flooded, more than 2,200 people affected

The City of Cape Town has announced that all its departments remain on high alert as adverse weather conditions persist throughout the city.

Charlotte Powell, the spokesperson for the City's Disaster Risk Management, reported that they continue to coordinate responses and assess the impacts of the ongoing weather situation. "Based on information flowing through to our Disaster Operations Centre, the situation in Cape Town remains critical. Downpours are expected to continue throughout the day, and assessments on the ground are ongoing as new reports come in," she said.

The city is actively providing assistance in areas where flooding has been reported. Disaster Management Officers have conducted assessments in 41 informal settlements, where 1,221 structures have been flooded, affecting 2,246 people. "Our teams are on the ground, providing immediate support and assessing the needs of those impacted by the flooding," Powell added.

Humanitarian relief efforts are underway, with organizations such as Gift of the Givers, the Mustadafin Foundation, and the Ashraful Foundation providing essential aid to affected residents. These organizations are delivering food, blankets, and other necessary supplies to ensure the well-being of those displaced by the flooding.

The city's roads and stormwater departments have been working tirelessly, issuing milling and sandbags to residents in need. A number of roadways have been inundated, causing significant disruptions to traffic across the city. "Various roadways are flooded, and our teams are assisting with the unblocking of drains and clearing roadways to ensure safer travel conditions," Powell noted.

In addition to flooding, the adverse weather has caused power outages in several areas. The electricity department is actively addressing these weather-related outages to restore power as quickly as possible. Crews are working around the clock to repair damaged infrastructure and ensure the continuity of essential services.

The ongoing adverse weather conditions have highlighted the importance of the city's disaster preparedness and response strategies. Cape Town's emergency services, including fire and rescue teams, medical services, and law enforcement, are on high alert and ready to respond to emergencies. Coordination among various city departments and external aid organizations is crucial in managing the crisis effectively.

Residents are urged to take necessary precautions to stay safe during the adverse weather. The city advises staying indoors as much as possible, avoiding flooded areas, and heeding any warnings or instructions from emergency services. Those in low-lying areas are particularly encouraged to move to higher ground if flooding is imminent.

The City of Cape Town's proactive approach and comprehensive response plan aim to mitigate the impact of the adverse weather and support those affected. As the situation evolves, continuous updates and communication will be provided to keep residents informed and ensure their safety.

In conclusion, Cape Town is facing a significant challenge as adverse weather conditions continue to impact the city. The concerted efforts of city departments, humanitarian organizations, and the community at large are crucial in navigating this crisis and aiding in the recovery process.