Mop up operations are still underway after thousands of people and animals were affected during stormy weather which saw more than 700mm of rain fall over parts of the Western Cape on Sunday 24 September.
According to the City of Cape Town, an accumulative 714mm of rainfall was recorded during the period between Sunday 24 and Monday 25 September. This has resulted in extensive damage across the metro.
Last week, the City conducted assessments and mop up operations, in which 16 000 people and 7 100 informal structures were affected.
Affected areas included Overcome Heights informal settlement, Hangberg and Rasta Camp in Ocean View.
Karen Mentoor, a community leader from Overcome Heights in Seawinds, said around 100 families were affected when their homes were flooded.
“Certain areas where there had never been flooding, were covered with water.
“Residents could not leave their homes and families lost their furniture and belongings.”
According to the City, the Western Cape Department of Social Development, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and various community-based organisations have been assisting with humanitarian relief such as hot meals, food parcels, blankets and mattresses across the province.
On Friday 29 September, Ward 45 councillor Mandy Marr said sand bags and milling would be delivered to the affected area in Overcome Heights.
In Clovelly, Ward 64 councillor Aimee Kuhl said houses and a golf course were affected by the storm.
“Houses in the Clovelly floodplain were assisted by residents and the golf course with sandbags to prevent flooding and a tree collapsed at the subcouncil 19 parking behind the fire station in Fish Hoek.
“Luckily no person or cars were impacted.”
Meanwhile, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA launched a massive rescue operation in response.
Cape of Good Hope SPCA spokesperson Belinda Abraham said they provided immediate relief to numerous affected animals.
“The situation continues to evolve and we’re awaiting precise numbers regarding the affected animals.
“We are calling on the support and generosity of the community, as well as local businesses and organisations, to aid our ongoing efforts.
“Dogs, cats, horses, chickens and wild animals like chameleons are among those rescued so far and financial aid will be crucial to ensuring that the we can provide shelter, veterinary care and food for the influx of animals.”
To contribute to the SPCA’s emergency flood relief efforts, kindly visit https://capespca.co.za/donate/ or contact 021700 4140 or email info@capespca.co.za for more details on how you can make a difference.
