Western Cape Storms Leave Three Dead And Thousands Displaced Across Informal Settlements

Severe storms battering the Western Cape have left at least three people dead while thousands of residents have been affected across several communities, particularly in informal settlements.

The latest fatality was recorded in Blanco on Monday morning after a 64-year-old woman died when a tree collapsed onto her home.

In a separate incident in Klaarstroom, near the foot of the Swartzberg mountains, a man lost his life after being swept away while attempting to cross a river.

Khayelitsha Among Worst-Hit Areas After Western Cape Storms

Last week, a 37-year-old woman was also killed in Knysna when a tree fell onto her vehicle during the severe weather conditions.

The City of Cape Town Disaster Risk Management Centre said assessments revealed that 1,655 dwellings had been damaged, affecting more than 5,600 residents.

Khayelitsha was identified as the worst-affected area, with approximately 1,000 structures damaged and around 4,000 people impacted.

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Other communities severely affected by the storms include Overcome Heights, Vygieskraal, Philippi and Pelican Park.

Disaster management spokesperson Charlotte Powell said: “The Disaster Risk Management Centre is liaising with other relevant city services to see what relief can be provided to residents.”

Cape Town Emergency Services Respond To Flooding And Fallen Trees

The city’s emergency call centre reportedly received more than 950 calls on Monday, with incidents mainly linked to flooding, fallen trees, vehicle crashes and electricity outages.

Mayco Member for Safety and Security JP Smith said emergency teams had activated the disaster operations centre to respond to the growing crisis.

“Safety and security has activated the disaster operations centre. Our officers are doing duty at intersections, assisting where roads have been closed due to flooding or fallen trees,” said Smith.

Authorities said the impact of the storms has been widespread, with municipal teams continuing efforts to respond to affected areas as quickly as possible.