Western Cape Battered by Storms, Thousands Left Homeless
Image Source: https://groundup.org.za/
Published By Everything Za News
Cape Town, South Africa – The Western Cape braces for further disruption as a series of cold fronts continue to lash the province. Widespread damage has already been reported, with thousands left homeless and essential services disrupted.
Penelope Mthyiane, a resident of a Wendy House that lost its roof in the storm, is just one of many who have lost everything. “We only found a school shoe of one of my grandchildren,” she said, highlighting the devastation caused by the high winds, heavy rain, and snow.
The situation is dire, with local authorities estimating at least 4,000 people left homeless and roughly 1,000 homes destroyed across Cape Town alone. MEC Anton Bredell for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning confirmed widespread disruptions, including loss of shelter, localized flooding, fallen trees, power outages, and road closures due to snow or flooding.
The storm’s impact has been felt across various regions, with the City of Cape Town, Overberg, Cape Winelands, and West Coast districts taking the brunt of the damage.
While some residents received emergency supplies from organizations like Gift of the Givers, concerns remain high as the SA Weather Service warns of more severe weather to come.
The next cold front is expected to arrive on Tuesday, bringing further rain and raising the risk of rockfalls, landslides, and flash floods due to saturated soil conditions.
Weather alerts include warnings for disruptive rain, damaging winds, and dangerous wave conditions across various parts of the Western Cape and beyond.
The situation highlights the vulnerability of informal settlements and the urgent need for continued support and assistance for those affected by the storms.
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