Torrential rain wreaked havoc in parts of the Western Cape on Monday, leaving hundreds of homes flooded in areas such as Khayelitsha, Mfuleni and Nyanga. The Cape Town’s disaster management centre (DRMC) was on high alert as the cold front brought heavy rain across the city.
“Continuous rain and scattered-to-widespread rain showers are expected to persist from Monday into Wednesday. Flooding is expected over southwestern parts of the Western Cape,” the SA Weather Service (SAWS) warned on Monday.
Residents of Langa, in Cape Town are already feeling the devastating effects caused by the heavy rain. Joe Slovo informal settlement residents where hundreds of homes were destroyed by the raging fire during the Easter Weekend, say the heavy rain may force them to rebuild their structures.
Local ward councillor Thembelani Nyamakazi said contingency plans were in place. “I’m just trying to engage alternative accommodation, to house those people who are directly affected by the floods.”
Stellenbosch municipality reported flooding on the R44 near the Mooiberge Farmstall between Stellenbosch and Summerset West. “Emergency teams have been dispatched. Please switch on your headlights, maintain a safe following distance and drive carefully,” the municipality said in an update.
The South African Weather Service’s Venetia Phakula has warned of more heavy rains in other parts of the country. “Of significance, is the drop in temperatures that we are experiencing, we’re expecting that throughout the country on Wednesday.
The City of Cape Town’s multi-disciplinary water task team said it would be on high alert should local flooding be reported.