The humanitarian aid organization, Gift of the Givers, is currently providing assistance to nearly 15,000 residents in the Western Cape who have been impacted by heavy rainfall and strong winds, leading to flooding. Those affected are mostly residents from informal settlements. Specifically, in Ward 99 in Khayelitsha, at least 4,000 people have been displaced. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued warnings for severe weather conditions until Friday. Ali Sablay, a spokesperson for Gift of the Givers, has stated that their teams are actively working in 12 informal settlements.
He mentioned that since last Friday, they have been receiving numerous calls for help. Sablay mentioned, “We are working tirelessly with the local teams and the Western Cape Disaster Management teams to assist the affected people. The calls have been pouring in since 4 am this morning, and our phones have not stopped ringing. The Old Town is completely cut off, and we are receiving requests for humanitarian aid through our website.” He also added, “Last year, we were able to use a helicopter to deliver aid, but due to the current weather conditions and excessive rainfall, we need to come up with an alternative plan.”
Eastern Cape snow
Light snow has fallen on several high-lying roads in the Eastern Cape, but it’s not enough to require any road closures. The affected roads include the N6 near Jamestown, the Lootsberg pass on the N9, and the Wapadsberg pass on the R61. According to Unathi Binqose, spokesperson for the Provincial Transport Department, they are keeping a constant watch on the situation.
“The snowfall is not heavy enough to affect any road closures, but with snow the roads are slippery. We urge road users to be vigilant at mountain passes and should the snowfall reach dangerous proportions our officials will not think twice to close the road.”
