Flooding and destruction were reported countrywide after the recent high-level weather warnings in several parts of South Africa. Image: Screenshot from video.
WATCH: ‘Unusual storm’ causes havoc in Paarl – mass flooding, building damage
Heavy downpours in Paarl, Western Cape led to flash flooding and widespread damage to property and infrastructure on Monday.
Flooding and destruction were reported countrywide after the recent high-level weather warnings in several parts of South Africa. Image: Screenshot from video.
The Drakenstein Municipality has its hands full after Paarl in the Western Cape was hit by a violent thunderstorm on Monday, 12 December.
PAARL FLOODED AFTER A HEAVY STORM
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) routinely warns that heavy downpours can accompany thunderstorms. These downpours could lead to flash flooding.
According to a local journalist, The Village Guy, the Western Cape town experienced rainfall of 70 to 80 millimetres in 20 minutes.
“Drakenstein Municipality’s disaster management, roads and stormwater teams continue attending to and cleaning up areas affected by flooding across the Drakenstein municipal area, and rendering relief where required.
“This follows an unusual storm in the area earlier today. So far about 250 incidents relating to flood and storm damage have been reported to the Municipality,” said the municipality on Monday night.
The following roads were damaged by the flooding: e corner of Jan van Riebeek/Abbatoir, Paarl; the corner of Gert Thomas/Annie Benjamin, Paarl; Simfonie Avenue, Paarl; and the corner of Hoof/Versailles, Wellington.
Several areas were also left without electricity due to power outages related to the storm.
Before the rain hit Paarl, the weather service issued a pair of weather warnings for the Western Cape, including an Orange Level 5 and Yellow Level 3 thunderstorm advisory.
As previously reported, Heavy downpours, which could see 20 to 30 millimetres of rainfall in an hour and winds of between 50 to 60 km/h – gusting at 70 to 80km/h – were expected.
The Drakenstein Municipality said donations for residents affected by the flooding can be left at the Fire Station on Berg River Boulevard.
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