CAPE TOWN - From schools being forced to shut down, flights being disrupted, and dogs being rescued from flooded and waterlogged areas, relentless adverse weather conditions continue to leave a trail of disruption in the Western Cape.
As these conditions sweep through the province, their impact is being felt in various ways. ways.
READ | Intense rain and floods expected to hit Eastern, Western Cape
Over 150 WC schools apply for closure
In the Western Cape, schools have been forced to close. Beaumont Primary School in Somerset West has suffered major infrastructure damage.
According to Kerry Mauchline, the spokesperson to the Western Cape Department of Education, as of Monday, a total of 227 schools applied for closure in addition to the closure list issued for the Cape Winelands and Eden and Central Karoo districts.
“A number of schools have also suffered damage due to the storm, which is currently being assessed,” she said.
Mauchline said the closure of schools will be in place on Tuesday as well, which includes public ordinary and special schools in the province.
Homes destroyed
The impact stretched to communities as well more especially in Wynberg where one resident, Shihaan Seagers recounted events leading to when the roofing of her home curved.
Rescued from flooded and waterlogged areas
Animals were also not speared during this time, as Cape of Good Hope SPCA spokesperson Belinda Abraham deems this storm as the worst they have ever experienced in recent years.
“Behind every emergency call is a suffering animal, shivering without shelter, trapped on a chain, injured, displaced, or simply abandoned to endure the storm alone,” Abraham said.
She added that in some cases, some dogs were found chained outside in relentless rain with no protection from the cold, while others were discovered roaming flooded streets in search of shelter.
Flight delays, cancellations and diversion
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) confirmed that severe weather conditions in both Cape Town and George have impacted flight operations.
As a result, passengers have been advised that flights may be delayed, diverted, or cancelled as a result.
READ | Severe Western Cape weather disrupts flight operations
Despite the inclement weather, the company said both Cape Town International Airport and George remain open and operational.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS)has warned that these conditions will persist in the next few days.
A Yellow level 2 warning has been issued for the Western Cape from Monday right through to Wednesday.