Emergency services and police divers continued rescue operations on Thursday after a second cold front worsened a trail of destruction caused by torrential rain and fierce winds that left people trapped in parts of the Western Cape.
The downpours flooded homes and roads, uprooting trees and leaving some areas without electricity.
Weather Service SAWS issued an orange level 6 warning for “disruptive rain leading to major disruption of traffic flow across Cape Town and the Cape winelands”.
“Thankfully, there have not been any fatalities. We got news early this morning of a serious injury. We are making arrangements now to move that patient by air as soon as the weather permits,” provincial disaster management head Colin Deiner told eNCA.
Several thousand people across the province have been displaced or affected by flooding, with some having to be rescued. At least 1,000 people were displaced in Rawsonville.
Members of the police diving unit were deployed in the rural town of Wolseley to bolster rescue efforts.
“A huge portion of the local community has been affected. People were trapped in their houses and vehicle mobility has been compromised. Rubber ducks have been used to reach the flood victims. So far, divers have brought 54 people to safety and they will remain to help with the disaster management operations until the situation has normalised,” said police spokesperson Col Andrè Traut.
“Limit your travelling, stay indoors, it's going to be cold,” cautioned Deiner.
Second cold front unleashes trail of destruction in Western Cape
One person seriously injured, efforts to rescue trapped residents
Emergency services and police divers continued rescue operations on Thursday after a second cold front worsened a trail of destruction caused by torrential rain and fierce winds that left people trapped in parts of the Western Cape.
The downpours flooded homes and roads, uprooting trees and leaving some areas without electricity.
Weather Service SAWS issued an orange level 6 warning for “disruptive rain leading to major disruption of traffic flow across Cape Town and the Cape winelands”.
“Thankfully, there have not been any fatalities. We got news early this morning of a serious injury. We are making arrangements now to move that patient by air as soon as the weather permits,” provincial disaster management head Colin Deiner told eNCA.
Several thousand people across the province have been displaced or affected by flooding, with some having to be rescued. At least 1,000 people were displaced in Rawsonville.
Members of the police diving unit were deployed in the rural town of Wolseley to bolster rescue efforts.
“A huge portion of the local community has been affected. People were trapped in their houses and vehicle mobility has been compromised. Rubber ducks have been used to reach the flood victims. So far, divers have brought 54 people to safety and they will remain to help with the disaster management operations until the situation has normalised,” said police spokesperson Col Andrè Traut.
“Limit your travelling, stay indoors, it's going to be cold,” cautioned Deiner.
Local government, environmental affairs and development planning MEC Anton Bredell said: “We are working hard to reopen roads but are asking people to be patient, as our priority is to protect lives.”
He asked people to avoid travelling.
Cape winelands district municipality mayor Gesie van Deventer echoed the call for people to stay home.
“The severity of the weather over the past few days has affected our daily lives. The stormy weather is expected to persist through the weekend and into next week.
“I appeal to all citizens to stay home and to travel only if necessary. It is crucial that we keep our roads clear for emergency personnel and other essential services. If there is no alternative and you must travel, please adhere to traffic and road instructions.”
The Overberg district municipality said the Franschhoek Pass (R45) was closed by rockfalls. Stellenbosch municipality reported bridges from Pniel to Lanquedoc “are either gone, damaged or inaccessible. We are working with farmers for residents to be able to access their roads. Please avoid the area if possible.”
Cape Town disaster risk management centre spokesperson Charlotte Powell said: “Flood alleviation measures are continuing, especially in newly blocked stormwater systems.”
Incidents being attended to in Cape Town:
Gift of the Givers chair Dr Imtiaz Sooliman said on Thursday evening, “Municipalities, disaster management and desperate communities along the N1, N2 and N7 called, desperately in need of humanitarian assistance.
“The deluge had severely affected thousands of people, damaging multiple homes, personal possessions, and washing away precious food at a time when hunger is endemic.
“Gift of the Givers teams responded swiftly with plastic overalls supplied by the Life Hospital Group, warm meals and blankets. We have managed to procure 1,400 blankets this evening in Cape Town while supplies from our Johannesburg facility are en route.
“Blankets, mattresses, non-perishable food, hygiene items, sanitary pads, diapers and bottled water will be deeply appreciated. School uniforms, stationery and food parcels will have to follow.”
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