By Levy Masiteng
At least six people have died while tens of thousands of residents have been affected after two intense cold fronts battered the Western Cape from Sunday to Tuesday.
Provincial authorities confirmed the deaths on Tuesday as severe weather conditions continued battering the province.
ALSO READ: Joburg says Sandton BRT nearing completion
Some of the fatalities were linked to people attempting to cross flooded rivers and waterways, while others were caused by falling trees during strong winds.
The storms damaged more than 10,700 structures in Cape Town, affecting more than 41,600 people across at least 26 informal settlements.
Some of the worst-hit areas include Khayelitsha, Philippi, Overcome Heights, Vygieskraal and Pelican Park.
In Wolseley, more than 60 residents had to be evacuated after rising floodwaters submerged homes and roads.
Emergency services have been responding to widespread incidents involving collapsed structures, uprooted trees, flooded roads and power outages as heavy rainfall and gale-force winds continue to lash the province.
This followed the South African Weather Service’s Orange Level 8 warning for disruptive rainfall, with authorities warning of flooding of roads, bridges and settlements, mudslides and danger to life near fast-flowing rivers.
The impact of the storms has severely disrupted transport and infrastructure networks across the province.
The N1 near Worcester was closed due to dangerous flooding conditions, forcing traffic diversions, while several other roads were also affected.
ALSO READ: ANC KZN launches grassroots campaign in fight to retain eThekwini
Schools across the Western Cape were shut on Tuesday after provincial authorities deemed conditions too dangerous for learners and staff.
The closures were initially limited to the Cape Winelands and Eden and Central Karoo districts before being expanded province-wide as weather conditions deteriorated further.
The storm also disrupted flights at Cape Town International Airport and George Airport, with some flights delayed, diverted or cancelled, although both airports remained open and operational. Passengers were urged to check with their airlines or the ACSA mobile app for the latest flight information.
Disaster management teams said they remained on high alert as emergency crews continued relief operations in affected communities.
Residents have been urged to remain indoors where possible, avoid crossing flooded roads and rivers, and monitor official weather updates as the severe conditions persist.
