CoCT: Disaster Risk Management officials monitoring high-risk areas in wake of storm

CAPE TOWN - The City of Cape Town said that Disaster Risk Management officials were monitoring high-risk areas and determining the need for humanitarian and engineering relief where impacts had been reported. 
 
This comes after gale-force winds and heavy downpours pummelled parts of Western Cape since Saturday.

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Structures, including family homes and schools, have been damaged, trees have been uprooted, and several areas have been hit by power cuts due to the stormy weather. 
 
Disaster Risk Management spokesperson, Charlotte Powell said: "At least 28 incidents have been listed of areas where structural damage occurred due to the wind, including Delft, Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha, Blue Downs, Somerset West, Northpine, Sir Lowry’s Pass, Monwabisi, and commercial properties in Strand. At this stage, the number of structures affected – subject to more detailed assessment – are 2,779."
 
Powell said reports of flooding were received in Gaba Village in the Leonsdale/Epping area, Empolweni in Khayalitsha, and Monwabisi.
 
"In many instances, affected residents are sheltering with friends and family. The Disaster Risk Management has arranged humanitarian relief through its NGO partners, while the roads department is assisting with the provision of sand in some areas."
 
More than 100 incidents of uprooted or damaged trees have been reported since Saturday, which are being attended to by the departments of Recreation and Parks and the traffic service.
 
Powell said the relevant city departments were dealing with burst pipes, electricity outages, and managing remaining road closures.