Cape Town is preparing for more stormy weather after days of high winds and heavy rain that have displaced hundreds of people, flooded homes, and uprooted trees, authorities said on Friday.
Approximately 33,000 dwellings in both informal settlements and suburbs have been affected, according to the city’s disaster management center. Essential supplies, including meals, blankets, mattresses, roof sheeting, and hygiene packs, are being distributed to impacted communities amid biting winds and plunging temperatures.
“We have a huge humanitarian situation to deal with, and all authorities are working together to address this,” said Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister for Local Government, in a statement.
The Western Cape government reported that all major catchment dams in the city are full or nearing capacity. The Breede River in Swellendam is flowing at more than 1,000 cubic meters per second and is at risk of breaching its banks with more rain expected.
“In Laingsburg, the Floriskraal Dam is at 118%, and communities downstream have been alerted of the flood risk,” Bredell said, referring to affected towns beyond the city’s boundaries.
The South African Weather Service has warned that an approaching cold front will bring strong to near gale-force winds of 40 to 60 kph (25-37 mph) between Table Bay and Plettenberg Bay on Sunday.
Wave heights of up to five meters (16 feet) are expected on Saturday morning. Ships at Cape Town port, one of South Africa’s busiest, have been advised to take necessary precautions, such as regularly tending to moorings to prevent snapping.
Despite the damage, some residents have found ways to enjoy the bad weather. Online videos show youngsters frolicking in flooded roads and even boogie boarding down saturated hills.