The weather condition of most African countries at present had been reported to be really rainy or windy. South Africa is not left out among these countries. Just of recent, nearly 800 homes were flooded across Cape Town and the Cavendish Square shopping centre in Claremont was evacuated as a major storm wreaked havoc in the Western Cape on Wednesday morning. This is a heart breaking incident for the victims as the weather could not be controlled.
However, the Cavendish Square shopping centre was closed as a precautionary measure, the centre said on its Facebook page. Roof sheeting is believed to have blown off due to strong winds. The shopping centre had no other choice than to shut down business for the main time.
In addition, it was reported that buildings outside Somerset Mall, a shopping centre in Somerset West, were also evacuated as parts of the roof collapsed. Security officials said no injuries were reported as the people around were immediately evacuated to a safe place. The City of Cape Town said 97 permanent dwellings and 700 emergency houses, which were erected after recent fires, were flooded.
In summary of the flooded homes, “the emergency dwellings include 365 homes in Imizamo Yethu, 74 homes in Disa Park and 264 homes in Madiba Square. The permanent houses affected are in Macassar Village,” City Of Cape Town disaster management spokesperson Charlotte Powell said.
It was reported that during the incident, emergency shelters and humanitarian aid were organised in order to keep the victims safe.
One of the victims from Lavender Hill, Mercia Blom said that her house was flooded just after 23:00 on Tuesday evening.
“Past 11 the roof already started blowing and you can’t actually sleep [then the water started dripping through the roof. My daughter had to sleep in the kitchen because we couldn’t sleep in the rooms.” She said.
Meanwhile, in George, it was reported that about 16 roof of informal structures were blown off. Power outages were reported in Thembalethu, Wilderness Heights, Industrial area and Parkdene.
Consequently, the South African Weather Service warned wind speeds between 60k/h to 80km/h can be expected on Wednesday afternoon with gusts of up to 120km/h. Rainfall between 15mm – 30mm had been measured by 08:00 on Wednesday, with Grabouw receiving the highest amount of 63mm.
Government officials have said that weather can not be cheated. Their duty to make sure that the victims are safe which they are presently working on. They further urge the citizens to report any sight of heavy wind so that the state security officers can immediately come to their rescue.
