Six dead as Cape Town floods and storms devastate communities – IOL

The Provincial Department of Health and Wellness has confirmed six weather-related fatalities following a series of severe storms and flooding across the Western Cape.

The deaths occurred across multiple locations since the arrival of the first cold front last week. According to official reports, four individuals died when trees fell in Knysna, Wynberg, George and Genadendal. In Worcester, one person died after falling from a roof, and a sixth fatality was recorded in Klaarstroom, Meiringspoort, where the individual drowned.

Infrastructure and Residential Damage

The City of Cape Town has reported flooding in at least 26 informal areas. Data provided by the city’s Disaster Risk Management department indicates that 10,703 structures have sustained weather-related impacts, affecting approximately 41,635 residents.

The South African Weather Service recorded rainfall between 150mm and 200mm in several mountainous regions. This surge in precipitation led to the flooding of multiple roads across the metropole, with some incidents extending to surrounding properties.

Emergency Response and Humanitarian Aid

Charlotte Powell, spokesperson for Disaster Risk Management for the City of Cape Town, stated that the city is working with humanitarian relief partners to provide blankets and meals to affected areas. Powell noted that this relief effort will expand as ongoing assessments are completed.

The city is currently submitting assessment findings to the National Department of Human Settlements and Sassa, the agency responsible for mandated humanitarian assistance.

Educational Disruptions

In response to the severe weather conditions and widespread flooding, all schools across the Western Cape have been closed.

City officials continue to evaluate the extent of the damage as assessments are submitted to national agencies for further assistance.