The Jakkalsvlei Canal has burst its banks, as well as the Lourens River and the Kayser River. This is due to last night’s and this morning’s heavy downpours.

According to the City of Cape Town, the rivers and canal bursting their bank have impacted other services:

• Flooding at the Johnson and Johnson factory in Tokai
• The Lourens River overflow impacted the Somerset West Eskom sub-station

Heavy rains cut the power supply

The City and Eskom are working together to restore power in the Helderberg area.

Kay’s Caravan Park in Strand is being evacuated. The Help-n-Hand NGO is accommodating the residents.

Various informal settlements in Philippi, Strand, Gugulethu, Mfuleni, Masiphumelele and Khayelitsha have been flooded. DRMC officials are still busy with assessments.

A canal and 2 rivers burst their banks

SASSA and other NGOs have been requested to provide humanitarian relief to the affected informal settlements.

Various roadways are affected by temporary storm-water overflows, uprooted trees and mud on the road surface.

Meanwhile, the City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre and other City departments are conducting assessments to determine the extent of weather-related impacts overnight, and any assistance that is required by the public or communities.

“We can confirm that numerous roadways have been flooded. There is also a report of a mudslide along Philip Kgosana Drive,” said spokesperson Charlotte Powell.

Call for help in case of emergency

She added, “In terms of informal settlements, teams will conduct assessments in high-risk areas and activate SASSA and other NGO partners to provide soft relief if needed.”

Members of the public are advised to please call the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre for any emergencies.

MORE ABOUT: Cape Town Disaster Risk Management

What they do:

The Disaster Risk Management Centre (DRMC) identifies, prevents or reduces the occurrence of disasters and softens the impact of those that cannot be prevented.

We also facilitate the coordination, integration and efficiency of multiple emergency services and other essential services to ensure that these organisations work together, both proactively through risk reduction, planning and preparedness; and reactively through response, relief, recovery and rehabilitation.

Their contact details: