Heavy rainfall across Cape Town resulted in the temporary flooding of low-lying areas on Wednesday.
Some canals, vleis and retention ponds are filling to capacity and exacerbate flooding.
The City’s Urban Mobility Directorate is monitoring the situation and will assess pressure points more clearly once the rain subsides.
Residents and road users are advised to drive carefully and remain vigilant, as well as report flooding incidents to the City to ensure that they are attended to timeously.
The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Rob Quintas, says the sheer volume of ongoing rainfall is causing vleis, rivers and canals to reach capacity.
“This causes water to back up in the stormwater system and onto our roads which then act as water conduits. Low-lying areas, areas below steep mountainous terrain and areas near canals and other water bodies will experience localised flooding whilst rainfall remains heavy.”
Motorists are advised to exercise caution, steer clear of driving through flooded areas and avoid low-water crossings. Roads may be closed on short notice, if needed, in the interest of safety and security.
“Downpours are expected to continue throughout the day and assessments on the ground are ongoing, as reports come in. Most residents would have noticed that flooding of roads usually subsides within less than an hour after the rain has stopped and our stormwater infrastructure has had the opportunity to deal with the large volumes of water that entered the system.”
Meanwhile, the City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre has urged members of the public to steer clear of waterways and flooded areas.
At least two canals have overflowed, while fallen trees and debris have been reported in Blue Downs, Constantia, Blackheath, Sunningdale and Bellville, among other areas.
The public is again reminded to direct any requests for City services via the online platforms or the Customer Call Centre. Emergency incidents should be directed to the Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700.
Localised flooding has occurred in several areas including Vyqieskraal, Parkwood, Bonnytoun, Lotus Park, Phola Park, Imizamo Yethu, Hangberg and Overcome Heights, where residents requested assistance. Earlier, requests for flood kits from some residents in Lwandle, Macassar and Khayelitsha were received.
Disaster Risk Management Spokesperson Sonica Lategan says all incidents reported are assessed so that the necessary assistance can be activated, including soft relief from the City’s NGO partners where needed.
