20 Jun 2023 | 03:55 AM UTC
South Africa: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in parts of Western Cape Province as of early June 20
Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in Western Cape Province, South Africa, as of early June 20. Further adverse weather forecast.
Event
Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of Western Cape Province as of early June 20. Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and thunderstorms over the recent days have resulted in flooding and damage across much of the province. The worst hit area is the West Coast District Municipality; several small settlements and farming communities are cut off. Reports indicate that the inclement weather has displaced more than 1,000 people in Rawsonville; emergency accommodation is located at the Orangeville Town Hall. Around 340 structures at the Spookie Town informal settlement in Rawsonville were destroyed when a river overflowed. Authorities have also evacuated more than 120 residents from the 7de Laan Settlement in Macassar.
Authorities have confirmed one fatality in the Buffeljagsrivier River in Overberg and another fatality in Arbeidsgenot Farm, Vredendal. One person in the Keysers River in the southern suburbs of Cape Town remains missing; search and rescue operations are ongoing. Officials are likely to conduct full damage assessments after floodwaters recede.
The South African Weather Service is maintaining the following weather warnings:
Orange Level 5 (of 10) Damagining Waves Warnings: coastal areas of the province.
Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
Further heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rain has saturated the soil.
Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.
Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected region. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Reconfirm the status of road routes before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
