Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management Centre says it is actively responding to multiple weather-related incidents following heavy rainfall and strong winds across the region.
Several areas in Cape Town, including Blue Downs, Constantia, Blackheath, Sunningdale, and Bellville, have reported fallen trees, storm debris, and localised flooding. Humanitarian aid is being rolled out to affected communities, particularly in low-lying informal settlements, where hundreds of residents endured a cold and waterlogged night as floodwaters invaded homes and roads.
In Saldanha on the West Coast, numerous settlements have been completely submerged, prompting further emergency responses.
Meanwhile, the cold front sweeping across South Africa has placed other provinces on high alert. Johannesburg Emergency Services say they are monitoring conditions closely as sub-zero temperatures are expected to affect most parts of the country.
Residents are being urged to take extra precautions when using heating devices. Emergency Services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi has warned that unattended heaters, paraffin stoves, and braziers (mbaulas) pose a serious fire risk.
“As the City of Johannesburg, Emergency Management Services and all our disaster teams remain on high alert in all seven regions to respond to any weather-related emergencies,” said Mulaudzi.
Authorities are advising communities to stay indoors where possible, ensure heating devices are safely used, and report any incidents of flooding or storm damage to local emergency services.