The City has upgraded the preparedness level of its Disaster Response teams in advance of the heavy rainfall predicted and the likelihood of localised urban flooding in Cape Town over the weekend.
A flood alert has been issued for areas in the Cape Metropolitan area as dams, canals and reservoirs are filled to capacity across the Western Cape as a result of persistent heavy rains.
The South African Weather Service has upgraded its previous weather watches to warnings of heavy rainfall as indicated below:
- heavy rainfall is likely over the Cape Metro, Overberg, southern parts of the Cape Winelands, and the West Coast Districts on Friday
- localised flooding is possible in areas in the Cape Metro, Overberg, southern parts of
the Cape Winelands, and the West Coast Districts on Friday
The intense cold front is expected to affect the Western Cape and the Northern Cape provinces until Saturday, 21 September. Very cold conditions, strong interior winds, rough seas and heavy rainfall in places could lead to localised flooding.
Residents should exercise caution during this period – especially on roadways. Motorists should maintain a safe following distance, reduce speed and ensure that motor vehicles are roadworthy as roads may be flooded.
Those travelling in mountainous areas across the Western Cape are advised to expect delays and possible deviations as mountain passes may be closed to traffic. There is also an increased risk of potential landslides, mudslides and rockfalls in mountainous areas as a result of the forecasted intense rainfall. Residents residing in these areas should make sure they have adequate insurance cover to ensure that emergency repairs can be undertaken.
Members of the public should not hike along the mountainous areas as they may find themselves in distress.
The disaster response teams and engineering crews have been inspecting various low-lying and floodplain areas to ensure that, where possible, preventative work is undertaken to mitigate flood and storm damage due to the already saturated ground surface and above normal river levels in vulnerable areas.
Useful contact numbers:
- flooding, blocked drains and service disruptions – 0860 103 089 or SMS 31373
- electricity outages/disruptions – 0860 103 089 or SMS 31220.
- road Closures, delays on roadways and deviations – 0800 65 64 63
- weather Reports – Cape Town Weather Office (021 934 0749/0831), weatherline
(083 123 0500), listen to alerts on the radio and television or visit www.weathersa.co.za - emergencies – 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 from a cellphone
The sooner you phone, the sooner help will arrive.
The City’s disaster response teams are in close contact with the South African Weather Service in order to keep a watchful eye on the inclement weather conditions.
For further information regarding storms, gale-force winds, snowfall, landslides, mudslides and rockfalls, as well as precautionary measures to prevent damage, please visit the Disaster Risk Management Centre’s website www.capetown.gov.za/disaster.
