- Communities in the Southern Suburbs are experiencing severe weather, with heavy rain and gale-force winds causing significant damage and flooding.
- Informal settlements in Hangberg and Hout Bay have reported structural damages, while the Liesbeek River in Newlands has burst its banks, leading to widespread flooding.
- Local councillors are assisting residents with emergency measures and advising on contacting the City’s Disaster Risk Management for further support.
Communities across the Southern Suburbs are hit hard by heavy downpours and gale-force winds wreaking havoc and destruction for residents and animals alike.
Weather-related emergencies in Hangberg, Hout Bay and Newlands were reported for Tuesday 9 July in what has been described by SA Weather Service as the coldest morning of the year for the Western Cape so far.
Damaged dwellings
In Hangberg, Hout Bay residents are reporting damaged structures in informal settlements like Karbonkelberg and Imizamo Yethu, while the Liesbeek River reportedly burst its banks, flooding areas like Kildare Road and Circle in Newlands.
Ward 74 councillor Rob Quintas confirmed to People’s Post that the inclement weather and tides caused by the ongoing storm conditions have brought misery and destruction to households as well as the Hout Bay Seal Rescue Centre (HBSRC) in the ward.
“Hangberg with its steep topography is affected with many informal structures in particular experiencing adversity in terms of flooding and wind damage. Imizamo Yethu residents are facing similar challenges in terms of wind-related roof damages to informal dwellings.”
Quintas adds that his office has been assisting residents where possible and those who are able to are advised to contact the City’s Disaster Risk Management for assistance.
“We are providing sails for roofing as well as sandbags for water diversion where possible. I wish to encourage residents to report any blocked Stormwater infrastructure and also any illegal dumping which can lead to blocked infrastructure.”
Burst river banks
In Newlands Ward 58 councillor Mikhail Manuel confirmed heavy flooding conditions brought on by the Liesbeek River bursting its banks.
“So far, there has not been any damages to private properties or bridges or the canal. Residents are urged to completely avoid Kildare Road as far as possible.”
- For all life- or property-threatening emergencies call the City’s emergency hotlines on 021 480 7700 from any phone or 107 from a landline.
