Thousands affected by severe storms in Cape Town

• Severe storms and heavy rainfall have caused significant flooding and road closures across TygerBurger’s distribution areas, including Duynefontein, Melkbosstrand, Bloubergstrand, and Milnerton.
• The City of Cape Town has warned of more stormy weather ahead, with emergency services working tirelessly to manage the crisis and assist displaced residents.
• Residents are urged to report service requests and emergencies to the City’s channels for prompt action.

Severe storms and heavy rainfall wreaked havoc across several areas within TygerBurger’s distribution areas, including Duynefontein, Melkbosstrand, Bloubergstrand and Milnerton.

The City of Cape Town says more stormy weather are looming over Cape Town after days of high winds and drenching rain that have displaced hundreds of people, flooded homes and uprooted trees.

Last week’s heavy rainfall led to widespread flooding and numerous road closures in Duynefontein and Milnerton and some residents were forced to evacuated their homes.

“Communities were left grappling with the aftermath as emergency services worked tirelessly to manage the crisis,” says resident Ryno Pierang.

The Melkbosstrand Neighbour Watch says last Wednesday 10 July will be a day to remember in Duynefontein and Melkbosstrand.

Residents were forced to evacuate their homes.

“Continues rain caused catchment areas to overflow and allowed water to travel a significant distance through a culvert under the R27 (Westcoast Road) into the Koeberg Nature Reserve and then make its way to the suburb of Duynefontein that boarders the Reserve,” the watch says.

Devastating

In Duynefontein, the water level quickly flooded homes and streets resulting in some residents evacuating while others tried desperately to keep the water out of their homes, but to no avail.

“City Officials along with Traffic Police and Melkbosstrand Neighbourhood Watch members closed off some road around Duynefontein as the roads in some parts was reaching the 1m mark. It became very chaotic once people started coming home from work and many parked their vehicles, took their shoes off and worked to their houses. We would like to thank the NSRI who responded to help evacuate those who needed assistance due to rising water as well as Traffic, Disaster Risk Management, City officials and those neighbourhood watch members who spent many hours on scene, to ensure everyone’s safety,” the watch adds.

Heavy rainfall wreaked havoc last week.

Napolean Avenue, at Horn Crescent in Melkbosstrand was on of the major routes closed.

“Numerous roadways are also still affected by trees obstructing roadways. Efforts are underway to address the impacts.”

On Sunday, Barnes made a request to all motorists to drive as slow as possible in Napoleon Crescent or any of the flooded areas in Duynefontein.

“The wake caused by passing vehicles is causing more damage to the homes already severely affected by the flooding,” he said.

Roads closed

In Milnerton, several roads were closed, including Koeberg Road from Boundary to Freedom Way.

Residents reported of floods in their streets, making it impossible for vehicles to get through.

“Coming home from work on Friday was a disaster,” says Ursula Winger, a Milnerton resident.

“Streets were flooded and roads were closed. It took my almost two hours to get home,” she says.

Another resident says while walking her dog on Monday, she noticed how much debris is in the road and preventing water from flowing into the drains “and in some places clogging drains already. If everyone grabs a black bag and clears the debris in front of your own property it would go a long way in helping prevent clogging and possible flooding.”

The City says it has been a busy few days for the Disaster Operations Centre, with dozens of calls about weather-related impacts.

“Apart from flooded and obstructed roadways, there have also been reports of flooding in a number of residential areas, and electricity outages,” the City says in a statement.

The public is urged to please report service requests via the City’s voice, text and online channels, so that these can be queued for action by the relevant departments.

Any life-threatening emergencies can be reported to the Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700.