WESTERN CAPE NEWS - The Western Cape Government’s Joint Operations Centre (JOC) has confirmed that although weather conditions across the province have started to improve, emergency response and recovery operations remain at a critical stage following days of destructive storms and widespread flooding.
Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, on Wednesday expressed condolences to families affected by the disaster after the Provincial Department of Health and Wellness confirmed 10 storm-related fatalities across the province.
“Our sincerest condolences go to the families who have lost loved ones during these devastating weather conditions,” Bredell said.
Rescue teams remain hard at work in several parts of the province, particularly in the West Coast and Cape Winelands districts, where floodwaters and severe infrastructure damage have left thousands of residents displaced and vulnerable.
In the Cape Winelands alone, more than 2 000 people have been forced from their homes, while evacuation efforts and shelter operations continue across multiple districts. Humanitarian organisations, assisted by community groups and volunteers, are providing emergency aid including food parcels, blankets and hygiene supplies to affected communities.
Authorities are also closely monitoring river systems that remain under pressure after days of intense rainfall.
The Clanwilliam Dam has reached 103% capacity, with all sluice gates open. Officials warned that downstream communities remain at risk and urged residents to obey all emergency instructions issued by authorities.
Meanwhile, the Breede River continues to pose a serious flooding threat. Flow volumes of 1,655 cubic metres per second were recorded at Swellendam on Wednesday morning, raising concerns about further downstream flooding in low-lying areas.
Residents have again been warned to avoid flooded roads, low-water crossings and fast-flowing rivers.
N1 partially reopened
Although the N1 has been partially opened, delays are expected through the Cape Winelands region. The N1 highway south of Worcester in the direction of Paarl has been reopened. Traffic controls and a stop/go system are in operation at the Rawsonville weighbridge.
Vehicles will now be permitted to travel on this section of the highway but must prepare for heavy delays, with a waiting time of at least 1½ hours.
No hazardous materials will be permitted to travel south or queue at the stop/go. Any freight carrying hazardous material will be turned back. Freight operators must not send hazardous material to the area.
Unfortunately, the N1 north from Paarl to Worcester remains closed, with no timeframes for reopening at this stage. The Western Cape Government advised motorists not to travel to the Huguenot Tunnel until further notice.
Teams are working around the clock to clear and open roads as soon as it is safe to do so.
Power outages experienced across the region
Despite improving weather conditions, the recovery effort remains complex. Eskom has confirmed that electricity restoration and repairs to essential services are underway, although damage to roads and infrastructure is slowing progress in some areas.
Health services across the province are largely operational, with contingency plans activated where medical facilities have been affected.
Provincial and municipal authorities, together with disaster management teams and partner organisations, remain fully mobilised with a coordinated focus on rescue operations, humanitarian relief and infrastructure recovery.
Officials have encouraged residents to continue monitoring official communication channels and to report emergencies through the appropriate authorities as conditions continue to evolve.
Weather forecast for the Western Cape this afternoon
Conditions along the Western Cape coastline are expected to remain cool to cold this afternoon, with cloudy skies and isolated showers persisting in some areas.
Strong south-westerly winds and rough sea conditions are forecast between Cape Point and Plettenberg Bay, while light rain remains possible along parts of the coast.
Temperatures are expected to range between 16°C and 18°C in coastal areas, with a 30% chance of rain in some regions.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
