The Helderberg was on the receiving end of a wind lashing over the weekend, which culminated in a downpour, leaving hundreds of residents counting the damage, with some severely impacted families left homeless and roads throughout the basin scattered with debris.
The storm left behind a trail of destruction all over Strand, Somerset West and Gordon’s Bay, where collapsed walls and blown-off roof tiles, shattered windows and uprooted trees told the story of what some are calling the worst storm in recent history.
At the weekend, the South African Weather Service issued an orange-level 9 (out of 10) disruptive rain warning.
As the storm reached its peak on Sunday, the announcement was made that schools would be shut down on Monday. At the same time Somerset Mall evacuated its premises due to safety concerns and notified the public that they would remain closed on Monday and reopen on Tuesday.
By early on Monday morning City workers were dispatched all over the Helderberg as mop-up operations began, hindered only by the continuous rain, which subsided only early on Tuesday morning.
Eskom workers were also hard at work following power outages in a number of areas. Parts of Gordon’s Bay and Strand were without power for up to 24 hours.
Disaster Risk Management (DRM) responded to Morkel’s Cottage and Donkerbos informal settlements in Somerset West, where gusts ripped roofs off several structures and totally dismantled others. Several people were injured and received medical attention on scene.
Ken Newtown of the Gordon’s Bay Yacht Club stated members were reporting it was the most severe storm to hit the Helderberg in recent years.
“The marina sustained lots of damage to the moorings, jetty’s as well as boats,” he said. “We’re still assessing the damages, but it’s never been so hard hit. There are considerable losses.”
The Drama Factory in Somerset West lost part of its roof and announced it will be closed for a few weeks at least, while the Playhouse Theatre, also in Somerset West, sustained similar damage and announced on Facebook that in the interest of safety it would remain closed until the full extent of the damage can be assessed. The Somerset Crossing Shopping Centre was also severely damaged.
Vergelegen estate stated that due to the extreme weather conditions it would also be closed to visitors on Monday and Tuesday, and were expected to reopen by Wednesday (today).
Several warehouses and businesses in Gants Centre were also affected by damage as well as the Methodist Primary School in Somerset West. Strand High School sustained some damages to its roof and outdoor sports facilities, while Beach Road, Strand was covered in debris and many apartment blocks were sand-jammed by the wind.
By Tuesday the only affected road closure was that of the R44 between Gordon’s Bay and Rooi Els, and most parts of the Helderberg had electricity restored with the exception of a few streets in Strand and Somerset West.
Doyle Peters of Church Street said the roof sheets of his home were ripped loose by the strong winds, but fortunately people at Die Ark were in the area and came to his assistance.
“Their speedy intervention restricted the damage to the back of the house only and they effected immediate repairs.
“What was even more remarkable was their humbleness in offering their service. These men wanted no reward for their efforts. We would like to acknowledge their efforts and wish them all God’s blessings in their future endeavours.”
Similarly dozens of residents showed selflessness in assisting others where they could.
Schools in the Helderberg reopened on Tuesday as residents began to fully inspect the extent of damages. Gift of the Givers was operating in Lwandle, providing blankets, warm clothing, hot meals and toiletries.
