Premier visits disaster-hit Breede Valley

Media Release: Premier visits disaster-hit Breede Valley to assess damage and relief efforts

On Saturday, 30 October 2023, Premier Alan Winde visited the Breede Valley to see for himself the scale of the damage caused by the recent storm and flooding. The region is among several areas devastated by the adverse weather.

“Our first priority has always been the safety of all residents. We are now intensifying our humanitarian efforts,” said the Premier in a meeting with a farmer whose farm has been hit hard by the disaster.

Disaster management officials from the Breede Valley Municipality as well as Deputy Executive Mayor, Juben Von Willingh, were also present and gave the Premier an update on their recovery and humanitarian efforts, which are proceeding well.

With the help of NGOs, about 700 people affected in one way or another by the flooding in the Doorn River region have so far received relief aid.

Some communities were left cut off by heavy flooding. However, farmers have been helping disaster teams to repair damaged gravel roads to reach these residents to ensure they receive assistance.

Premier Winde lauded disaster management teams who are working hand-in-hand with law enforcement agencies and NGOs to assist communities. “I am very proud of all our disaster officials. I also want to thank farmers who have been helping our disaster units. The Provincial Disaster Management Centre was well prepared for the inclement weather through its early warning system. The extent of the damage is immense, and it will take time for us to recover,” he added. The Premier continued, “But we need to learn lessons from this and past natural disasters. Future planning is critical in responding to the impact of climate change.

There are still a number of roads that remain closed due to the damage caused by the storm. Please visit the Western Cape Government’s website for updates.

Should members of the public require any further information, they are encouraged to contact the Western Cape Government Contact Centre. Additional staff have been bought on board to assist members of the public.