Flooding in Kalk Bay after heavy downpours swept across the far south over the weekend. Picture: Deep South Report
Image: Supplied
Several areas in the far south were affected by localised flooding following heavy downpours and strong winds across the Cape Peninsula.
Social media platforms and community WhatsApp groups were inundated with photos and videos showing flooded roads and waterlogged areas in Masiphumelele, Ocean View, Sun Valley, Fish Hoek and Kalk Bay.
The severe weather followed a warning issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS), which forecast widespread rainfall over the south-western parts of the Western Cape.
Rainfall accumulations of between 30mm and 60mm were expected, particularly over mountainous areas.
The warning highlighted the potential for localised flooding of roads and low-lying bridges in both formal and informal settlements, along with possible damage to property and infrastructure.
Difficult driving conditions, disruptions to traffic flow, and interruptions to essential services such as electricity were also anticipated.
The City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management Centre confirmed that widespread flooding was reported across the metro, with several roads affected.
Protea Avenue near Paul Greyling Primary was affected by localised flooding after heavy rain. Picture: Deep South Report
Image: Supplied
Disaster Risk Management spokesperson Sonica Lategan said reports of flooding were received from several areas across the city, including informal settlements, where the main issues identified were leaking roofs and wet floors.
“Road Infrastructure Management was activated to assist with sand and milling to affected areas, while the Informal Settlement Management Branch provided plastic sheeting,” she said.
Lategan added that Disaster Risk Management officials had completed assessments in affected areas and remain on standby, with all emergency response services on high alert.
Urban Mobility teams were also deployed to attend to flooded roads and blocked drains.
Flooding was reported on several roads, particularly in Simon’s Town, where heavy downpours prevented water from clearing quickly.
Strong winds saw signage blown over and obstructing part of Main Road in Fish Hoek. Picture: Deep South Report
Image: Supplied
Traffic was diverted via Soldier’s Way back onto Main Road, while congestion was also reported along Main Road and near the Glencairn Expressway, with officials on scene managing traffic.
The City said inclement weather had resulted in high service request volumes, with heavy rain delaying restoration times.
“The City apologises for the inconvenience while our teams attend to electricity area faults, primarily due to the stormy, wet weather,” the City said.
“Rain and high wind speeds make electrical work dangerous, but City energy teams are nonetheless on the ground attending to the various outages and backlogs with urgency.”
Candice Thomas from Living Hope said teams are currently unable to respond due to widespread waterlogging across affected areas.
“They will be doing in-depth assessments in the coming days,” she said.
She added that further responses are expected as the impact of the rainfall becomes clearer over the coming weeks and months.
“However, with the early extensive rain, we know that we will be responding to flooded homes in the coming weeks and months. Often, clothing and bedding are a huge need for those homes struggling with flooding, as everything gets wet.
Residents have been urged to remain cautious, particularly when travelling through low-lying areas, and to take precautions to protect their homes.
Lategan advised residents to ensure their homes are waterproof, secure loose outdoor items, and consider raising floor levels or using sandbags to prevent floodwater from entering their homes.
She also encouraged residents to save the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre number, 021 480 7700, on their phones.