City authorities say nearly 1,000 homes in informal settlements in Cape Town, South Africa, have been destroyed by gale-force winds, displacing around 4,000 people
CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Nearly 1,000 homes in informal settlements in Cape Town, South Africa, have been destroyed by gale-force winds, displacing around 4,000 people, authorities and an aid organization said as the city braces for a week of damaging storms.
South African weather authorities said Monday that Cape Town and surrounding areas are expected to be hit by multiple cold fronts until at least Friday, bringing torrential rain, strong winds and flooding.
Cape Town’s disaster coordination team has been on alert since last Thursday, when the first front arrived.
The worst-hit areas are expected to be the poor, informal settlements on the edge of South Africa’s second biggest city. Thousands have been displaced in the township of Khayelitsha on the outskirts of Cape Town after strong winds destroyed homes and other structures. The Gift of the Givers local aid organization said it provided 10,000 meals and 3,000 blankets to displaced people in Khayelitsha over the weekend.
Other areas have been flooded and the weather has caused power outages in more than 30 suburbs, the City of Cape Town said. It said it is monitoring dam levels to ensure they don’t overflow, and would consider a controlled release of some water with more heavy rain expected this week.
Cape Town is often hit by cold fronts coming in from the Atlantic Ocean during its winter months in the middle of the year. They are especially damaging for the impoverished informal settlements.
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Severe storms have wreaked havoc on the city of Cape Town, South Africa, causing the destruction of nearly 1,000 homes and leaving many residents displaced. The storms, which hit the city with strong winds and heavy rainfall, have caused widespread damage to infrastructure and property.
The storms began on Tuesday evening and continued into Wednesday, with reports of roofs being blown off houses, trees uprooted, and power lines brought down. The city’s emergency services have been working around the clock to respond to calls for help and assess the extent of the damage.
Many residents have been left homeless as a result of the storms, with some seeking shelter in temporary accommodation provided by the city. The South African Red Cross Society has also been providing assistance to those affected, distributing blankets, food, and other essential supplies.
The city’s mayor has urged residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel until the storm has passed. He has also called on the national government to provide assistance in dealing with the aftermath of the storms.
The severe weather conditions are a stark reminder of the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities. As global temperatures continue to rise, extreme weather events such as storms, floods, and droughts are becoming more frequent and severe.
In response to the storms, the city of Cape Town is working on implementing measures to improve its resilience to extreme weather events. This includes investing in infrastructure upgrades, early warning systems, and community education programs to help residents prepare for and respond to disasters.
As the cleanup and recovery efforts continue in Cape Town, it is clear that more needs to be done to address the root causes of climate change and protect vulnerable communities from its impacts. Only through collective action and sustainable development practices can we hope to build a more resilient future for all.
