Media Release: Western Cape disaster management agencies and other stakeholders remain on high alert amid severe weather
The Western Cape’s Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) continues to coordinate the multi-disciplinary response to the series of cold fronts that are lashing large parts of the province.
At the daily Joint Operations Centre (JOC) briefing today, 11 July 2024, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) provided an update on the weather system:
Grounded ship
An update was given on the status of a sea vessel that ran aground along the West Coast earlier in the week. The situation is being closely monitored by the Western Cape Department of Local Government, Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning, along with the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA). SAMSA is coordinating the salvage operation. Chief Director of Disaster Management, Colin Deiner, said there is currently no risk of an oil spill.
Dams
Dam levels in affected areas continue to rise. As of this morning:
The Department of Water and Sanitation is closely monitoring dams.
Electricity
A representative from Eskom indicated that their technical teams are working round the clock to restore power to multiple areas:
Schools
Schools in the Cape Winelands and Overberg education districts will remain closed tomorrow, 12 July 2024.
To confirm which schools are affected, please use the “Find my School” search finder to confirm: https://wcedemis.westerncape.gov.za/wced/findaschool.html
Humanitarian efforts
Humanitarian relief efforts continued across all affected regions. In the Cape Town Metropole, 44 000 meals have been provided to people in need, with the help of Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) since Monday. Members of the public are urged to continue donating non-perishable food items, blankets, toiletries, and other essentials. Residents in the Cape Town Metro have been the hardest:
Roads
A number of roads have been affected in one way or another. Members of the public are urged to regularly check the Western Cape Government’s (WCG) web site for updates on road closures: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/
Premier Alan Winde reiterated, “Daily JOC meetings will be held until this inclement weather has passed us. I urge all residents to remain safe and not take unnecessary risks. All stakeholders – disaster management teams, law enforcement agencies, NGOs, and faith-based groups – have been working incredibly hard under terrible conditions to keep residents out of harm’s way. I cannot thank you enough. We have all shown how we can come together during disasters to help one another. This is the Western Cape that I am so very proud of.”