More than 6,500 flood relief kits issued to storm-hit CT residents
Human Settlements MMC Carl Pophaim said that the need for relief was likely to increase.
Heavy rain on 9 July 2024 caused flooding in parts of Cape Town. Picture: @CityofCT/X
CAPE TOWN - The City of Cape Town says more than 6,500 flood relief kits have been issued to Capetonians affected by the stormy weather.
Some of the worst affected areas include Khayelitsha, Lwandle and Nomzamo near Strand, Gugulethu, Masiphumelele, Sir Lowry's Pass, Tafelsig and Vygieskraal, among other areas.
Residents in the Cape have had to deal with back-to-back cold fronts since Sunday, and more bad weather is predicted into the weekend.
Human Settlements MMC Carl Pophaim said that the need for relief was likely to increase.
"We anticipate the intensity of the storm to deepen and we expect to issue a further large number of flood assistance kits, as well as materials to mitigate the impact of the inclement weather. Where it is feasible, such as where the water is not too deep, or damming up, or depending on local conditions, relief is being provided in greater forms."
Meanwhile, there's concern that Cape Town cemeteries may be affected by the consistent rainfall lashing the peninsula.
Community Services and Health MMC, Patricia Van der Ross, warned that the water table level could rise, which might means that cemetery staff need to prepare shallower graves.
"Unfortunately, there are no quick fixes to the saturated water table or flooding in cemeteries. The recreation and parks department is working to manage the situation as best as possible. But, we do appeal for cooperation and understanding of families and undertakers planning burials during this time."