At least three people have died in separate weather-related incidents across the Cape Town metropolitan area as severe wind and heavy rainfall continue to lash large parts of the province.
The Western Cape government confirmed that the fatalities were caused by falling trees striking vehicles and by drownings involving individuals attempting to cross swollen rivers during the storms.
Acting Premier Ivan Meyer said the provincial cabinet and the Premier’s Coordinating Forum met on Tuesday evening and resolved to classify the severe weather system as a provincial disaster.
Meyer said the Western Cape Disaster Management Centre, together with all joint operations centres, has been placed on high alert and will continue working around the clock to assist affected communities.
He said gale-force winds and disruptive rainfall have resulted in widespread damage across multiple districts, including the Overberg, Cape Winelands, Garden Route, West Coast and the Cape Town metro.
Reports include fallen trees, widespread power outages and localised flooding, with authorities warning that dangerous conditions persist. Weather alerts for heavy rain, strong winds and rough seas remain in effect.
Meanwhile, parts of the Garden Route and the Little Karoo have begun experiencing renewed rainfall following a destructive windstorm that saw gusts exceeding 100 km/h, uprooting trees, damaging properties and cutting power supply.
The region is still recovering from extensive flood damage linked to a previous Category 8 storm system. Emergency services continue efforts to reopen roads that were blocked by debris, while residents and businesses assess the extent of structural damage.
Operations at George Airport, which were temporarily disrupted, have since returned to normal scheduling.
Authorities say rescue and recovery operations will continue where weather conditions allow, particularly in communities that were isolated during last week’s flooding.