Devastating Storm Sweeps Across Cape Town Causing Fierce Damage

Over the past weekend, Cape Town experienced one of the most intense weather systems to hit the Western Cape in recent memory. Unforgiving gale-force winds and relentless heavy rains resulted in widespread flooding, causing uprooted trees and power outages across the city.

Officials reported most severe flooding in regions such as Shuku-Shukma, Sir Lowry’s Pass Village, Rasta Camp, Riemvasmaak, 7de Laan Sandvlei Macassar, Old Faure Driftsands, Mfuleni and Bellville South. Damage to residential houses was reported in an array of areas including Durbanville, Bo-Kaap, Schaapkraal, Bellville South, Belhar, Sandvlei Macassar, Strand, Gordon’s Bay and Knorhoek. During the encroaching storm, four Strand residents were successfully rescued by emergency services and temporarily relocated to the local fire station.

The storm also caused significant infrastructural damage. According to Charlotte Powell, spokesperson for Cape Town disaster risk management, the storm was powerful enough to blow off the roof of a private property within the CBD, whilst a dwelling in Hout Bay bore the brunt of the wind damage. In response to the disaster, traffic services initiated road closures on Denehof and Sunset Boulevard in Gordon’s Bay, as well as Sir Lowry’s Pass and Baden Powell Drive to keep the public safe from the storm's hazardous effects.

In an attempt to mitigate further flood damage, the sluice gate at Wemmershoek Dam has been opened. Unfortunately, the Lourens and Eerste Rivers have already burst their banks, posing a significant flood risk to surrounding areas. Restoration of power remains a challenge for city technicians, although work will commence as soon as weather conditions stabilise.