Flooding after heavy rain at the Waterfront informal settlement in Philippi, Cape Town on 10 June 2020. Photo: Ashraf Hendricks / GroundUp.
Disaster Risk Management readies response as Cape Town faces torrential rain and strong winds
With the potential flooding and damage, Cape Town residents are urged to remain cautious and report emergencies promptly.
Flooding after heavy rain at the Waterfront informal settlement in Philippi, Cape Town on 10 June 2020. Photo: Ashraf Hendricks / GroundUp.
Torrential rain is expected in Cape Town on Wednesday and Thursday, 14 and 15 June. The City’s Disaster Risk Management Department is on alert and ready to respond to flooding and other weather-related impacts.
Cape Town Disaster Management ready for rain
As previously reported, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued an Orange Level 6 warning for disruptive rain in Cape Town.
The rain could lead to flooding of roads and settlements, said Sonica Lategan, Disaster Risk Management spokesperson.
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“The City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre and related City departments and external role players are on standby, in the event of any flooding or other weather-related impacts that may occur.
“Until now, there have not been too many notable weather-related impacts, but we are expecting heavy rainfall in the next 24 – 36 hours,” said the spokesperson.
READ: Level 6 WARNING: Heavy rain, flooding in Cape Town, Winelands
In addition, disruptive coastal winds and damaging waves are forecast between Saldanha Bay and Plettenberg Bay from Tuesday until Thursday, and a warning for damaging winds was issued.
Lategan said high-sided vehicles on the N1 highway and other prone routes are at risk due to the wind.
“Residents are reminded that life-threatening emergency incidents should be directed to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre by dialling 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.”
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