Cape Town, South Africa. Cape Town and surrounding areas have been ravaged by severe storms since late last week, causing widespread destruction and displacing at least 4,500 residents. The relentless weather has damaged approximately 15,000 structures, with city authorities warning that the situation could worsen.
Multiple cold fronts have brought record rainfall and gale-force winds to the region, with the latest storm overnight leaving the Wynberg neighborhood littered with debris. The strong winds blew off roofs, destroyed buildings, and downed electricity poles, further exacerbating the damage.
City officials, including the Disaster Operations Centre, have been working around the clock to assist affected residents. Over the past two days, more than 36,000 meals and 6,000 blankets have been distributed to those in need, particularly in impoverished informal settlements where homes are especially vulnerable.
Schools have been closed across Cape Town and nearby regions, including the renowned Stellenbosch wine-growing area, where snow—a rare occurrence—lined the streets due to the extreme cold fronts from the Atlantic Ocean.
Three major rivers in the province have burst their banks, prompting evacuations in areas such as Citrusdal and parts of Stellenbosch. Authorities are also considering controlled water releases from dams to prevent overflow and further damage.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis emphasized the severity of the situation, noting the unusual frequency of the cold fronts. The bad weather is expected to continue into the weekend and possibly into next week, with local authorities and NGOs continuing their efforts to mitigate the impact on the affected communities.
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