Africa-Press – South-Africa. The mayor of Cape Town, Geordin Hill-Lewis, signed a major incident declaration to unlock more resources and relief measures to deal with the impact of severe rainfall and strong winds in the Western Cape.
On Tuesday, Hill-Lewis said this would assist communities impacted by the storm.
The severe weather resulted in significant damage due to flooding, mudslides, rockfalls, fallen trees and damage to buildings and infrastructure as well as the disruption of services.
At least eight fatalities were linked to the impact of the weather.
Although many areas were significantly affected, the Helderberg area – including Sandvlei, Macassar, Strand, Somerset West and Gordon’s Bay – was particularly impacted, with extensive mudslides affecting Sir Lowry’s Pass Village.
Significant work was under way to assist with recovery, to offer humanitarian relief, and to reconstruct and rehabilitate affected areas.
“It was very important for me to have visited the affected areas in Sir Lowry’s Pass Village and Rasta Kamp, and to make an assessment of the number of structures that will need to be rebuilt and people needing immediate relief due to the damages. Today, as mayor, I signed the necessary documents required to declare a major incident, which will enable a greater response,” he said.
Hill-Lewis conveyed his condolences to the families who lost loved ones.
“Thank you to the City officials who have worked throughout this weekend, and continue to do so, to support all residents. I wish to thank all members of the public and organisations who have donated food items, clothing and other items as part of the community response,” he said.
Disaster risk management spokesperson Charlotte Powell said City departments were busy with assessments and mopping-up operations across the metro.
“At this stage, 12 000 people have been affected by the storm. Our NGO partners are assisting communities in the worst-affected areas and supporting community-based organisations with hot meals, food parcels, blankets and mattresses.
“A bridge collapse in Sandvlei, Macassar, is being attended to,” she said.
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