Winde says plans are in place to declare Cape storm as a provincial disaster
Many houses and some shopping centres had their roofs blown off when gale-force winds ripped through the province over the weekend.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde provides update on the flooding situation on the Garden Route on 9 April 2024. Picture: @alanwinde on X
CAPE TOWN - Western Cape Premier Alan Winde says his government plans to have the recent Cape storm classified as a provincial disaster.
Many houses and some shopping centres had their roofs blown off when gale-force winds ripped through the province over the weekend.
Incidents of localised flooding were also reported, as a storm made landfall in the early hours of Monday morning.
Disaster management teams are currently out assessing the extent of the damage caused by the inclement weather.
READ: Over 132 schools damaged by Cape storm, over 270,000 pupils affected by closures - WCED
Winde says the focus now shifts to humanitarian work, such as identifying people who lost their homes and access to basic amenities during the storm.
The premier said they're working closely with non-governmental organisations, local municipalities and national government departments to ensure that affected people receive shelter and food.
Winde added that after all the damage assessments are compiled, they will approach the National Disaster Management Centre for a disaster classification to unlock additional funding to repair damages.
He said although no additional weather warnings have been issued, possible showers were expected to persist over parts of the Southern Cape on Wednesday afternoon.