Extreme weather events have been making headlines around the world recently, causing significant disruptions and disasters. In South Africa, the Western Cape experienced a level 9 orange warning due to a severe weather system. Heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds battered the region over the weekend. This extreme weather event was caused by a cut-off low system that intensified on Sunday.
The consequences have been severe, with parts of the Western Cape plunged into chaos. As information continues to pour in, there are reports of two missing individuals due to heavy flooding. The N2 highway at Botrivier has been completely cut off, disrupting travel to and from Cape Town.
Towns like Bredasdorp, Hermanus, Struisbaai, and De Doorns have witnessed torrential downpours, turning streets into flowing rivers. In Bredasdorp alone, over 150 millimeters of rain fell in a single night, isolating the town from the outside world.
At Botrivier, the river breached its banks, rendering the highway entirely impassable. Numerous roads across the province are still unsafe and submerged in floodwaters.
Meanwhile, residents in Sir Lowry's Pass Village near Somerset West in Cape Town have been left heartbroken by the devastation caused by an intense cold front. The area has seen heavy rainfall and gale-force winds, resulting in flooding and damage to structures.
The impact of this extreme weather event has been extensive, displacing hundreds of people due to the heavy rain and damaging winds. Tragically, two individuals are missing after their vehicle was swept away by flooding. To ensure their safety, a number of residents have left their homes and relocated to community halls.
Besides flooding and damage, the severe weather has also taken a toll on the city's electricity supply. Various areas, including Philippi, Eastridge, Steenberg, Wetton, Bellville, Green Point, and Pinati Estate, have experienced power outages. Repair efforts are being hindered by the damaged infrastructure and ongoing stormy weather conditions, particularly for overhead lines which require improved weather for safety reasons.
Travel disruptions.
Travel in the Western Cape has been significantly disrupted, with several road closures due to widespread flooding and infrastructure damage. Commuters have been left stranded, and displaced residents have found temporary accommodations in community halls. The heavy rainfall and strong winds that started on Sunday have wreaked havoc in various areas.
Officials are actively addressing numerous incidents of fallen trees and rockfalls across the province. The N-2 highway at Botrivier, in particular, has been severed after a section of the road was washed away, making it impossible to travel to and from Cape Town.
