Heavy rain and strong winds battered Cape Town, causing widespread disruption across the city. Localised flooding in low-lying areas led to several road closures, while fallen trees and waterlogged routes made driving conditions hazardous. The City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management teams were deployed to assess damage in parts of the city following persistent heavy rainfall that has led to flooding and structural impacts in vulnerable communities.
Flooding in Low-Lying Areas
According to Disaster Risk Management spokesperson Sonica Lategan, officials were on the ground in Mkhonto Square Informal Settlement in Nyanga and Brown’s Farm, where reports indicated that structures were affected. The City of Cape Town also reported widespread localised flooding across parts of the metropole, with several incidents routed to the Transport Management Centre for urgent attention by Roads and Stormwater teams.
The South African Weather Service said a distinct cold front had moved across the region, bringing widespread showers to the south-western parts of the Western Cape. It added that rainfall totals were expected to reach between 30mm and 60mm, with the heaviest precipitation likely over mountainous areas. Meanwhile, Matroosberg Nature Reserve reported on social media that snow had fallen over the Worcester mountain range, but that it was limited to the highest-lying peaks.
Response Efforts
Disaster Risk Management officials will be conducting assessments in the affected areas to determine the full extent of the damage. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel. The City’s Transport Management Centre is working to respond to disruptions caused by rising water levels and poor drainage conditions.
Some of the key areas affected by the flooding include:
- Parkwood
- Mkhonto Square Informal Settlement in Nyanga
- Brown’s Farm
The City of Cape Town is working to mitigate the effects of the flooding and ensure the safety of residents. For more information on the flood control measures in place, residents can
