Cape storm: City confirms about 3 000 structures have been damaged
City of Cape Town Disaster Risk Management says 3 000 structures have been affected by Cape storm 2024.
It’s been revealed that 3 000 structures have been damaged in the violent Cape storm 2024, reports IOL. Following severe South African Weather Service warnings, vicious storms have battered the Western Cape for the last 48 hours. In their wake, Cape storm 2024 has left a trail of destruction and residents to mop up and rebuild scant remains.
SUNDAY BLOODY SUNDAY
Almost unbelievably, it started with wildfires on Sunday 7 April, fanned by 100 km/h gusts of wind that destroyed several homes in Glencairn and Stellenbosch. The torturous winds continued and ripped the roofs off buildings and even overturned vehicles on the highway. Just as residents in informal settlements were coming to terms with the destruction and lose of belongings, major rains and flooding set in.
More than 50 mm of rain feel in parts in just 24 hours on Monday 8 April. As a precaution, schools have remained closed for two consecutive days due to Cape storm 2024. The severity of the storm has left many wondering if it and a near-identical cut-off-low-pressure storm in September 2023 are in fact climate-change related.
CAPE STORM 2024
The City’s Disaster Risk Management spokesperson, Charlotte Powell, has said officials are still monitoring high-risk areas. They will meet the humanitarian need and engineering relief required following Cape storm 2024. Department volunteers are also on the ground assisting with damages.
28 reports were made for structural damage due to gale-force winds. These included settlements in Delft, Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha, Blue Downs, Somerset West, Northpine, Sir Lowry’s Pass, Monwabisi and Strand. Subject to more detailed assessment, it’s believed that 2 779 structures were damaged, confirmed Powell.
FLOOD DAMAGE FROM RAIN
Flooding was reported in Gaba Village (Leonsdale/Epping), 12 structures in Empolweni, Khayelitsha, and approximately 400 structures in Monwabisi. Affected residents are now sheltering with friends and family.
Moreover, there were some 100 incidents of uprooted/damaged trees reported to the Recreation and Parks and Traffic Services. Furthermore, various city departments are dealing with burst pipes, electricity outages, and managing numerous road closures across the city.
Those wanting to support Cape storm 2024 disaster initiatives can deposit to:
- Gift of the Givers
- Standard Bank
- Account number: 052137228
- Branch Code: 051001
- Reference: Disasters
- Send proof of payment to donations@giftofthegivers.org to obtain your Section 18A tax deductible certificate.
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