Winde: Conditions in storm-battered Western Cape 'stable'
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde says conditions have stabilised in the western parts of the province.
This follows heavy storms and gale-force winds that wreaked havoc across the province.
The SA Weather Service issued an unprecedented Level 9 storm warning for various parts of the province from Monday morning.
Gale-force winds fanned several fires and blew vehicles off bridges since Saturday.
Trees have been uprooted, and electricity poles have toppled as the province hunkers down.
"Conditions have stabilised in the western parts of the province, but there is heavy rainfall and rising water levels in the Garden Route district, which we are monitoring very closely this morning,” said Winde on Tuesday.
“Our top priority remains protecting lives in areas which are now receiving high rainfall. In regions where the weather system has now passed, we will focus our efforts on mop-up and humanitarian aid operations, with help from municipalities and NGOs.”
Winde said the disaster management team will focus on George and surrounding areas as the cut-off low system moves eastwards.
“Dams in the Garden Route district are filling up rapidly or are already overflowing, especially dams on the coast in this region. Dam levels in parts of the Karoo are also rising. Authorities are constantly monitoring this situation.
“Even though the heavy downpours are expected to taper off during the day, we are closely monitoring this situation, as it can contribute to flooding downstream.
“On our coastline, we are particularly concerned about estuaries at Mossel Bay and Wilderness.
“From the ocean side, there is a spring tide coinciding with storm surges due to the weather system. From the inland side, we are experiencing strong-flowing rivers and overflowing dams. Taken together, these conditions are increasing the risks of flooding at estuaries, even if the river mouths are opened to the ocean," said Winde.
He added that the South African Weather Service confirmed that a Level 4 warning for disruptive rain over the eastern parts of the province will remain in place.
"Rain can be expected to continue in the Garden Route District until Wednesday.”
