Level 4 Warning

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning for yellow level 4 disruptive rainfall this coming weekend.

The forecast is from Friday, 4 July into Sunday, 6 July.

Among the potential impacts are localised flooding of roads and settlements and saturation of waterways.

‘The Disaster Risk Management Centre will once again coordinate the City’s response to any impacts brought about by the forecast. We have also alerted our NGO partners who will provide humanitarian assistance where needed. We ask that residents please address any issues on their properties to mitigate the risk of localised flooding. Also, please log service requests for any City-related services so that these can be assigned to the relevant departments,’ said Disaster Risk Management Centre spokesperson, Sonica Lategan.

GENERAL FLOOD PREVENTION MITIGATION TIPS:

• Do not build in low-lying areas, near water bodies or roads
• Raise the floor above ground level using wood or stilts
• Use cement floors rather than wooden or sand floors
• Make sure the roof and outer walls are rain proof
• Use metal sheeting, sandbags or dig trenches to divert or hold back water
• Keep stormwater drains clear

‘The City works as quickly as possible to address weather-related issues where they occur. The rate of assessment and action can be slowed by prevailing weather conditions, and we also have to consider the safety of staff members. If required, our Disaster Coordinating Committee will convene to coordinate responses where needed. However, I do want to appeal to the public to help ease the load where possible. For example, motor vehicle accidents tend to soar during wet weather spells, eating into available enforcement and emergency resources. Do your bit and employ driving tactics that are appropriate for the road conditions.

‘Also, where possible, please support our disaster donations efforts. Our NGO partners do sterling work under trying conditions, but it is a challenge, especially when you have thousands of people requiring assistance. The City has made drop-off points available for donations of non-perishable goods. If you are by the means, please do lend a hand,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

The City’s donation drop-off points are the following fire stations: Constantia, Goodwood, Hout Bay, Lakeside, Roeland Street, Strand and Wynberg.

Donors can also email Disaster.Donations@capetown.gov.za for collection.

Anyone wishing to assist can donate clothing for all ages, non-perishable food items like rice, maize meal, tinned fish, tinned beans and baby formula, as well as personal hygiene items.