The City of Cape Town disaster operations centre says the total structures affected by the storm as of Friday morning stands at over 33 000.

Over 95 000 people have been affected, with thousands displaced, but this tally is expected to increase.

The City’s Sonica Lategan says they are not distinguishing between affected and displaced people at this stage, as many people choose to stay in their dwelling, despite damage, as they don’t want to leave their belongings behind. Many are also staying with family and friends.

Mopping up operations are continuing across the City and Province, with most of the severe weather lifting.

However, Disaster Risk officials are still on alert as a Level 4 weather warning is in place for the City of Cape Town, Swartland, Drakenstein, Stellenbosch and Theewaterskloof municipalities Friday through to Saturday.

There is also a Level 4 warning for damaging winds on Friday along the coast between Lambert’s Bay and Mossel Bay, as well as over the southern parts of the Namakwa, City of Cape Town, Cape Winelands, Overberg, Central Karoo and western parts of Garden Route.

Humanitarian relief efforts is continuing across all affected regions. In the greater Cape Town alone, over 44 000 meals have been provided to people in need since Monday.

Members of the public are urged to continue donating non-perishable food items, blankets, toiletries, and other essentials.

The public can also donate directly to their humanitarian relief NGO of choice. A number of humanitarian relief agencies are assisting with soft relief, including Gift of the Givers, Ashraful Aid, Islamic Relief, The Workshop, the Mustadafin Foundation and Alimdaad.

Alternatively, donations can be dropped at the Fire Stations in Sir Lowry’s Pass, Strand, Goodwood, Ottery, Roeland Street and Lakeside.

Retailers have also come on board to help. Pick n Pay has opened all its stores across the region as donation drop-off points. Additionally, donations to the Feed the Nation Foundation can be made at any Pick n Pay till point nationwide. The Shoprite Mobile Soup Kitchens have meanwhile been serving warm meals to thousands of displaced residents.

Daily meals are being provided from Salvation Army corps (churches) to between 100 and 150 people in each of the Langa, Khayelitsha, Mannenburg, Bonteheuwel, Athlone and the City Bowl areas. In addition to the meals, warm blankets and clothing are being handed out.

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