CAPE TOWN - Three weeks after severe storms battered the Western Cape, leaving widespread flooding, school closures, power outages, and damaged infrastructure, the province once again finds itself in the trenches.
This is after the South African Weather Service has issued a high-level warning for severe storms in the Western Cape.
Now, officials in the area are ensuring that they are prepared for whatever is to come.
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Western Cape Human Settlements and Infrastructure MEC Tertuis Simmers said much of the province's infrastructure is vulnerable, with some structures up to 100 years old having been damaged by the previous storm.
He said this remains a big concern that needs to be addressed.
Simmer said the Garden Route District once again finds itself on high alert following a Level 8 Warning.
“Our procurement processes have been streamlined so that, within three days, specifically in the Garden Route area. We have 17 contractors that are actually on standby, which means that they are ready and, on the ground, already, which means we can even address some of these issues further," Simmer said.
He said that following earlier alerts from the provincial disaster management centre, trucks were activated while human resources were expanded to focus on the areas prone to being affected.
“This means the turnaround time will be even quicker than it was three weeks ago,” he said.
According to the weather service Western and Eastern Cape, recently affected by the previous cut-off low system, are likely to be vulnerable to a high risk of flooding.
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This weather system, according to the weather service, is expected to result in widespread bitterly cold, wet, and windy conditions across several provinces, while light snowfalls are expected over the higher mountains of the Cape provinces and Drakensberg mountains.
The SAWS has urged the public to:
• Monitor official weather updates • Avoid unnecessary travel during this periods • Never attempt to cross flooded roads, bridges, or swollen rivers. • Secure loose outdoor objects that may be displaced by strong winds. • Exercise extreme caution along coastal areas and avoid fishing or recreational activities at sea during the warning period. • Provide adequate shelter, warmth and protection for livestock and pets. • Prepare emergency kits, including flashlights, batteries, warm clothing, blankets and essential supplies. |