Cape Town scrambles to send flood relief kits, relocate residents after wind rips off roofs, areas flood

The impoverished area of Masincedani (Tak) in Strandfontein on July 11, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo: Gallo Images/Brenton Geach)

By Suné Payne

11 Jul 2024

As yet another cold front barrelled in, 6,500 flood assistance kits have been issued, some relocations have been completed and assessments are under way in parts of the Western Cape, after wild weather left a trail of soaked residents, damaged infrastructure and massive clean-up operations in its wake.

Assessments are under way in Cape Town today as after another cold front arrived overnight – the latest in a series of cold fronts that have left thousands without warmth and shelter.

The City of Cape Town said on Thursday morning that the worst-affected areas include Khayelitsha, Lwandle in Strand, Nomzamo, Gugulethu, Masiphumelele, Macassar, Sir Lowry’s Pass, Mfuleni, Tafelsig, Vygieskraal and Ocean View.

A warning has been issued for Level 8 weather disruptions – strong winds and heavy rainfall – in the City of Cape Town, Drakenstein and Stellenbosch municipalities.

The City’s Disaster Management Centre confirmed emergency calls from the Wynberg area of roofs being blown off and damaged overhead electrical wires. Four homes were affected and the occupants relocated to alternative accommodation. Claims that a tornado was responsible are as yet unverified, and investigations and assessments were being undertaken on Thursday morning. Daily Maverick is attempting to confirm whether it was a tornado.

Ottery Shopping Centre on 11 July 2024. (Photo: Gallo Images / Brenton Geach)

Cape Town weather Baden Powell Drive was closed between Muizenberg and Strandfontein due to flooding on 11 July 2024. (Photo: Gallo Images / Brenton Geach)

Since last Thursday severe weather has affected the Western Cape, parts of the Eastern Cape and parts of the Northern Cape, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, cold and, in some cases, snow.

Read more in Daily Maverick: Western Cape braced for wild weather after Level 8 warning issued

Read more in Daily Maverick: Relief operations continue as cold fronts lash parts of the country

“‘With 6,500 flood assistance kits already issued, some relocations done and milling material delivered to soak up the water where possible, the level and volumes of assistance required have been unprecedented. And it will increase. I’ve been in areas across the metro to assess conditions and to play my part in handing out flood relief kits to affected residents,” said Carl Pophaim, the mayoral committee member for human settlements in the City of Cape Town.

While clean-up operations begin, some residents are struggling to get to work. Abongile Ncwadi, a taxi driver from Samora Machel in Philippi, described the impact of the rain. “This morning around 6am, I was entering Century City and there was water on the road and I did not see it, but it entered the engine and the engine was locked.

A screenshot of waves crashing over the road at Bikini beach in Gordon's Bay. 10 July 2024. (Video: facebook.com/Ubunyeprojectssa)

Motorists are advised to lower speed and exercise extreme caution when approaching the flooding in Botrivier on the Theewaterskloof bridge, due to flooding over the N2. (Photo: Facebook / TWK Municipality)

Glencairn Expressway. (Photo: Deep South Info & Report)

“The mechanic said this might cost me R13,000,” he said, adding: “So this rain is affecting us heavily. Our houses have [been] blown away by the heavy winds. I left my shack that is leaking, so now we are in trouble.”

Busisiwe Keote from Mfuleni said getting to work was not easy. “I’m currently wet but I’m going to work. So I have no other way but to endure.”

Mansoer Wyngaard's roof was blown off on 11 July 2024. (Photo: Gallo Images / Brenton Geach)

Roofs were blown off in Wynberg. (Photo: Gallo Images / Brenton Geach)

Houses were damaged and roofs blown off in Wynberg. (Photo: Gallo Images / Brenton Geach)

More rain coming – and more calls for help

“We anticipate the intensity of the storm to deepen and we expect to issue a further large number of flood kits. Where it is feasible, such as where the water is not too deep, or damming up, or depending on local conditions, relief is being provided,” Pophaim said.

Assessments were continuing.

“As a City we also encourage Capetonians to make use of the donation facilities and to support relief organisations. Let’s continue to stand together as Team Cape Town as we brace for continued severe weather,” he said.

The impoverished area of Masincedani in Strandfontein after severe weather on 11 July 2024. (Photo: Gallo Images / Brenton Geach)

Several organisations have been helping relief efforts, as Daily Maverick reported on Wednesday. They include the municipality, NGOs such as Gift of the Givers, U-Turn Homeless Ministries, Islamic Relief, Ashraful Foundation, Living Hope, Mustadafin Foundation and Al Imdaad.

Read more in Daily Maverick: Call for help as severe weather continues to batter Western Cape

According to the Disaster Management Centre, these organisations have distributed 44,642 meals, nearly 10,000 blankets, as well as beanies, mattresses and hygiene packs, to affected communities.

The Living Hope Agricultural Programme was hit hard by 100km winds and needs urgent donations to help vulnerable people. It is still assessing the damage in communities it serves, including Masiphumelele, Capricorn, Vrygrond, Overcome, Redhill and Ocean View. The organisation needs clothing, bulk foods and blankets. These can be dropped off at 7 Kommetjie Main Road, Capri, 7975, or donate online. DM

This is a developing story and updates will follow.

Siyabonga Goni and Lisakanya Venna contributed to this report.

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