Cape Town recorded over 100 millimetres of rain between Friday and Sunday last week, causing widespread flooding across low-lying informal settlements. This was confirmed by Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews, after he visited affected areas this week.
Hundreds of residents across informal settlements in Vygieskraal, Kampies, Langa and Mfuleni, among other areas, were affected when their dwellings were flooded. According to reports, more than 2,000 residents were affected in Vygieskraal alone.
This follows ongoing weekend winter storms, affecting the Western Cape since the end of June.
The Western Cape Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) has coordinated relief alongside NGOs, including Gift of the Givers, Mustadafin Foundation, and the Red Cross. Aid distribution includes food parcels, blankets, and baby supplies, with law enforcement deployed in some areas due to safety concerns.
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Deputy Mayor Andrews conducted oversight visits to affected areas on Tuesday, as part of the City’s emergency response.
“Our City teams were on the ground long before the rain began, clearing canals, unblocking stormwater drains, and engaging with at-risk communities through the Winter Readiness Programme,” he said.
City departments, including Disaster Risk Management, Urban Waste Management, Roads Infrastructure, and Community Services, are working with NGOs to restore basic services and provide emergency relief.
“These preparations have made a measurable difference. However, the intensity of this past weekend’s weather resulted in flooding across the city. Our priority now is supporting the most affected.”
Andrews emphasised the City’s continued support.
Though weather conditions are now stabilising, authorities remain on high alert amid saturated ground and ongoing risks of localised flooding.
