The Western Cape is bracing for yet another cold front, following heavy rains and widespread flooding that have caused significant damage to infrastructure and tragically claimed two lives.
As officials gear up to tackle the aftermath of the recent disaster, a multi-stakeholder relief operation is underway, with a particular focus on assisting small and isolated communities nestled in the Cederberg mountains.
Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, expressed satisfaction that humanitarian aid was successfully delivered to Citrusdal on Sunday. He said taking advantage of a brief window of clear skies, helicopters would be deployed where necessary to reach those who have been cut off from assistance for the past few days.
“We were pleased that humanitarian aid could reach Citrusdal yesterday, and with a window of clear skies today, we can use helicopters where necessary, to reach people who have been isolated for the past couple of days,” he said on Monday morning.
The West Coast District has borne the brunt of the recent cold fronts, experiencing widespread flooding that has rendered numerous roads and bridges impassable. Bredell said the latest situation report from the Provincial Disaster Management Centre indicates that most rivers in the province have already passed their flood peaks but remain at alarmingly high levels.
However, concerns are mounting as a new weather system is expected to make landfall on Monday evening.
“Today’s situation report from the Provincial Disaster Management Centre indicted that most rivers in the province have passed their flood peaks, but remain very full.
“We are therefore concerned about the latest weather system, which is expected to make landfall this evening. It is predicted to cause heavy rain in the Cape Winelands and Overberg Districts, potentially resulting in more flooding along our rivers,” he said.
Lard swells and gale-force winds are forecasted along the coastline, with near gale-force winds expected in the Central Karoo. Furthermore, freezing temperatures are anticipated in the province’s interior on Wednesday, before conditions begin to improve.
Bredell emphasised that the primary focus for authorities remains on safeguarding human lives and coordinating the delivery of humanitarian aid, noting that the collaborative efforts of multiple stakeholders have been crucial in providing relief to those in need throughout this crisis.
“Our focus remains the protection of human lives, and then the coordination and delivery of humanitarian aid. Thank you to all the stakeholders who have been working with us on providing relief where needed,” Bredell said.
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