Western Cape storms leave six dead

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.

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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