Cape floods and storms (May 2026) (Photo: Cape of Good Hope SPCA/Facebook)
Preliminary estimates of the damage caused by the recent floods in the Western Cape already amount to more than R9 billion.
During a presentation to the standing committee on local government, environmental affairs and development planning, the Western Cape Department of Local Government said the province’s disaster management system helped save lives despite the extent of the damage.
According to the department, the severe weather between 5 and 12 May brought about 300 mm of rain and wind of up to 120 km/h. Disaster management centers were activated early, rescue teams were pre-deployed and schools were closed based on flood risk profiles.
Eleven people were killed, but the coordinated response helped prevent a greater tragedy, according to the department. At least 651 rescue operations were carried out, 3,690 people were housed in shelters and more than 56,000 people received humanitarian aid.
According to the submission, 97% of power supply was restored and 70% of road outages were cleared within days.
The storm damage also had an effect on tourism. At CapeNature reserves, a total of 306 reservations were disrupted, with the estimated loss of income amounting to R2.5 million.
A written parliamentary response from the Department of Agriculture has since confirmed that more than 1,400 ha of agricultural land has been damaged by the severe weather. According to the DA, the damage led to more than R1.2 billion in agricultural and export losses.
A total of 1,568 agricultural jobs were disrupted, while damage to agricultural infrastructure is estimated at more than R3.9 billion.
Dave Bryant, DA spokesperson on local government, environmental affairs and development planning in the Western Cape, says the presentation shows that the province’s disaster preparedness played an important role during the floods.
“Our officials activated joint operations centers, pre-deployed rescue teams and issued warnings that saved lives. These included hundreds of rescue operations, thousands of people in shelters and repairs that began within days.”
Bryant also paid tribute to officials and volunteers involved in the disaster response.
Noko Masipa, DA spokesperson on agriculture, economic development and tourism in the Western Cape, says farmers and farm workers showed great resilience after the storm damage.
According to him, the province’s rural and sector support structure has already been activated, while relief is being expedited and industry organizations have been mobilized to provide assistance.
“The damage to agricultural communities is extensive and the recovery process will take time. Our focus is now on getting help as quickly and efficiently as possible to affected farmers, farm workers and communities.”