Western Cape: Western Cape MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, has confirmed that the provincial government is ready for the upcoming winter season. Several days of cold and wet weather are forecasted for the remainder of this week and into next week in the Western Cape. Bredell announced that disaster and emergency services will closely monitor the situation to respond swiftly where needed.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Provincial Disaster Management Centre coordinates and supports the district disaster centres, and each local municipality in the province knows what is expected during the coming winter months to keep people safe. In light of the recent tragic drowning of a young woman at a low-level bridge in Slanghoek, Bredell emphasised the importance of reminding the public about safety precautions during inclement weather.
The Provincial Disaster Management Centre has advised residents to create a household emergency plan to ensure they know what to do in the event of a flood. ‘Assess where you live, as your home may flood if you are near a river or if there is poor drainage. Assemble a grab-and-go kit and keep it in a designated, easily accessible location,’ the centre said.
The grab-and-go kit should contain important documents such as IDs, passports, birth certificates, policies, and clinic cards, a cellphone charger, essential medication and copies of prescriptions, credit cards and money, and a first aid kit. ‘We appeal to the public not to litter or dump in stormwater drains, as this will stop the water from draining away and cause even more flooding,’ Bredell said.
When heavy rains occur, it is important to stay informed and heed warnings, store a supply of drinking water, get to higher ground if in a flood-prone area, evacuate when told by authorities, avoid flooded roads and areas, and prevent children from playing near floodwaters. Bredell asked the public to trust and listen to emergency personnel when instructions are issued relating to flood prevention or during rescue operations.
On Friday last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa visited Mthatha in the Eastern Cape to offer support and assess the damage following the recent floods that killed about 90 people. The floods have caused widespread destruction to homes, government facilities, roads, hospitals, and schools, highlighting the urgent need to tackle climate change. President Ramaphosa said that this is becoming a new reality for South Africa, with both the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal experiencing recurring annual disasters.