Relief aid workers from the City of Cape Town spent the week mopping up after a series of cold fronts lashed the peninsula over last weekend and the early part of the week. The bad weather brought strong winds, heavy rain, flooding and extremely cold conditions.
However, the City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre said its preparations ahead of the first real winter storm of the year paid off. The disaster response teams from all departments across the City, as well as provincial and national government departments, swung into action once the weather warning was received.
A total of 14 337 households were affected by the weather, with 52 529 residents affected by the flooding and inclement conditions.
“Although some residents suffered discomfort, none of them were evacuated to safety. This is a clear demonstration that the comprehensive Disaster Risk Management plan that is in place is effective,” said Wilfred Solomons-Johannes, Acting Head of the Disaster Operations Centre.
The City is meanwhile continuing with its efforts to minimise the inconvenience experienced by residents as a result of the weather, especially those households in low-lying areas which were waterlogged.
The City has been assisted in its relief efforts by its contracted disaster relief agencies. A total of 42 402 blankets; 45 090 hot meals; 22 488 brunches, 27 food parcels, 767 flood kits and 332 baby packs to the value of R5 576 390 were distributed to those affected.
The City is preparing for another cold front which is expected to arrive over the coming weekend. Officials will remain on high alert until then and will work to limit any inconvenience to residents caused by service disruptions.
“The City’s vibrant and highly skilled staff of the Disaster Risk Management Centre will remain on high alert for the duration of the winter season to ensure a Safe and Caring City,” said Solomons-Johannes.
The City recently unveiled its Winter Plan for the 2013 season as part of its effort to prepare for the negative effects that winter weather conditions have on residents, especially those in poorer areas. The DRM Centre cooperates closely with various City departments and sections, including Solid Waste Management; Social Development and Early Childhood Development; Community Services; Roads and Stormwater; the 107 Public Emergency Communication Centre; Traffic Services; Fire and Rescue Services; Development Services; and Human Settlements.
The Winter Plan builds on lessons learnt in dealing with winter challenges in previous years. Mitigation measures, such as clearing drains ahead of storms, are performed to limit the effect of service failures during severe weather conditions. The City has prioritised nine high-risk areas including informal settlements in Fisantekraal, Philippi, Gugulethu and Strand.
An early warning system has been put in place to improve emergency response times. All rescue and disaster assistance agencies are on standby, and are ready to assist as needed.
Members of the public are urged to raise the alarm early if a problem, such as a blocked drain, develops. Reporting and repairing faults in good time helps to prevent widespread flooding.
- For faults, ccontact the City’s Call Centre on 0860 103 089. Water-related faults such as blocked drains can also be reported via SMS (max 160 characters) to 31373. Report electrical faults such as power outages via SMS (max 160 characters) to 31220.
