Storm exacts a heavy toll in greater Stellenbosch area

Stormy weather once again brought destruction to the province this week, but it seems Stellenbosch was largely spared long-term woes.

A Level 8 weather warning was issued for the Cape Winelands for Monday 11 May and Tuesday 12 May and flooded streets and drains, uprooted trees and power outages were recorded all over the municipal area.

In Franschhoek many trees were uprooted while rivers in various areas had burst their banks.

Clean-up operations by Stellenbosch municipal workers are still ongoing.

ALSO READ: Seasonal rains: Water damage restricted in Stellenbosch area

Severe weather conditions forced many local schools to send children home on Monday. By 11:00, Stellenzicht Secondary, Klapmuts Primary and other schools advised parents and guardians to collect learners.

The provincial education department released a circular announcing all schools in the province were to be closed on Tuesday.

“Our default position is always to keep schools open and to close schools only in exceptional circumstances, but we are mindful of the severity of the warnings in place,” said education MEC David Maynier.

By 13:30 Monday 227 schools had applied for closure, a number confirming storm damage. By Tuesday afternoon much of the cold front had passed.

Dam levels rise

The rain of the last few days also bolstered waning dam levels. The City of Cape Town said dam levels had risen to a collective 61,2% by Tuesday.

All medical facilities were open by Wednesday, but the Department of Health and Wellness said unsafe roads and strong winds meant all mobile clinics remained closed.

Water-damage clean-up operations in the region continued. Library users in Franschhoek had to wait as their facility was temporarily closed after flooding, “to ensure the safety of our patrons and staff,” the municipality said.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. We appreciate your understanding and patience.”

Stellenbosch University’s library suffered the same fate. Flooding there had come just weeks after flood waters broke through its doors in April. The library was expected to reopen on Wednesday.

Humanitarian aid was offered to residents in Franschhoek and Khayamandi by Gift of the Givers and Shoprite Checkers’ Act for Changes soup kitchen, which helped feed residents affected by the adverse weather conditions.