Great damage was caused after the Gamtoos River overflowed its banks. (Photo: Kouga Municipality/Facebook)
Amidst cold conditions and heavy rain predicted in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape, the government has officially classified the devastating weather conditions as a national disaster.
Dr. Bongani Elias Sithole, head of the national disaster management centre, said the classification follows the severe weather conditions experienced from 4 May. This includes heavy rainfall, flooding, thunderstorms, damaging winds and snowfall across the Western Cape, North West, Free State, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and Mpumalanga.
“The classification of this disaster will enable the government to strengthen coordination and strengthen ongoing response and recovery efforts across all spheres of government.”
According to Sithole, the classification follows consultation with various state organs and heads of provincial disaster management centers and after assessing the extent and severity of the severe weather conditions.
“The severe weather has led to loss of life, damage to property, infrastructure and the environment, as well as the disruption of basic services.
Flooding in the Meiringspoort area. (Photo: Garden Route District Municipality)
“Following from the classification, the primary responsibility to coordinate and manage this disaster, in terms of existing legislation and contingency arrangements, is assigned to the national executive.”
Maroela Media reported earlier that heavy rain, strong wind and dangerous sea conditions have already led to numerous road closures in the Central Karoo, Overberg and Garden Route. Storm damage was reported in Westridge, Mitchells Plain and Hanover Park where roofs blew off. Flooding in parts of Khayelitsha, Hout Bay, Strand and the Nyanga was also reported.
The weather service has issued an orange level 8 warning for disruptive rain in mountainous parts of the Western Cape. Warnings for strong winds, dangerous sea conditions and possible snow also apply in several areas.
Many schools in certain parts of the Western Cape will be closed on Monday due to severe weather warnings in these areas.