The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued multiple weather warnings, including a Yellow Level 4 alert for damaging winds along the Western Cape coastline, stretching from Table Bay to Plettenberg Bay. Residents in the Northern Cape and Western Cape have also been advised to prepare for very cold and wet conditions this weekend.
Potential Impacts and Risks
The SAWS warned that strong winds could disrupt maritime navigation and cause damage to informal settlements, where structures are particularly vulnerable. Coastal areas may experience rough seas, posing risks to small vessels and shoreline infrastructure.
City of Cape Town on High Alert
Charlotte Powell, spokesperson for Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management Centre, provided an update on the city’s preparedness efforts. While no major incidents have been reported yet, disaster teams remain on standby to assist residents if conditions worsen.
Preventative Measures in Place
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Winter Readiness Task Team: Activated since February, the team focuses on flood mitigation, including clearing stormwater drains and identifying high-risk areas.
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Informal Settlements: Special attention is being given to vulnerable communities, with public awareness campaigns on flood safety and emergency relocation plans.
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Homeless Assistance: Coordination with NGOs and social services to provide shelters for street dwellers and support for pets in distress.
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Community Outreach: Disaster management teams are working with local leaders, ward councillors, and WhatsApp groups to ensure timely warnings reach residents without digital access.
Resilience and Emergency Response
With increasingly frequent severe weather events, including last year’s devastating Cape Town storm, the city is prioritizing community resilience and infrastructure improvements. Residents are urged to report emergencies via the public emergency control center or through local disaster management contacts.
Powell emphasized that while the city is prepared, public vigilance is critical. “We know flooding is a risk every winter, and we’re engaging communities to ensure they’re ready,” she said.
For updates, residents can monitor SAWS alerts or contact local disaster management offices.