27 Sep 2023 | 04:34 AM UTC
South Africa: Flooding and associated disruptions ongoing across Western Cape Province as of early Sept. 27
Flooding and associated disruptions ongoing across Western Cape Province, South Africa, as of early Sept. 27. Fatalities reported.
Event
Flooding and associated disruptions are ongoing across Western Cape Province as of early Sept. 27. Severe weather Sept. 23-26 resulted in flooding, road closures, and power outages across the province. Authorities in Cape Town issued a major incident declaration due to the flooding. The severe weather and flooding have affected at least 12,000 people in the city, including four fatalities each in Driftsands and Klipfontein areas due to electrocution by illegal electricity connections. A bus overturned in Jakes Gerwel Drive in Cape Town, resulting in three fatalities and 21 injuries. Damage assessments are ongoing, but initial reports indicate more than 1,500 structures impacted by flooding.
At least three people died in the Overberg District Municipality due to floodwaters. The Kuils River overflowed, flooding Mfuleni Township and forcing around 2,000 families to evacuate. Reports also indicate evacuations in Faure and Sandvlei. At least one person died due to electrocution in flood water.
The Bot River overflowed in the town of Botrivier, flooding large parts of the N2 Highway and cutting off access. Flooding also resulted in closures across other highways, including parts of the N1, R60, and R62. More than 82,000 people in Western Cape Province were without power at the height of the storm. Authorities have restored power to most people, but around 15,000 remain without electricity as of Sept. 26.
Further sustained 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 downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.
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 area. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations along the southwestern and southern coastlines if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. 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. 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.
