Humanitarian Aid Reaches Western Cape Flood Victims

A brief pause in the succession of cold fronts that have hit the Western Cape provided an opportunity for humanitarian assistance to reach those affected by widespread flooding. Over the weekend, the provincial government, community-based organizations, and NGOs united to help those most in need.

Relief Operation Launched

The Western Cape Provincial Disaster Centre launched a large-scale relief operation in collaboration with the SA Air Force, Gift of the Givers Foundation (GOTG), West Coast District Disaster Management, Search & Rescue Services, Saps, and the Provincial Traffic Department. The relief operation was carried out with three helicopters, specialized four-wheel-drive vehicles, and one command-and-control aircraft deployed to Citrusdal. GOTG provided essential disaster relief materials such as food, water, blankets, and other necessities.

Focus on West Coast District

Wouter Kriel, spokesperson for Western Cape MEC Anton Bredell, said that the current focus was on the West Coast District. Some small settlements and farming communities were entirely cut off from help due to flooded bridges and unfavorable flying conditions. However, since Saturday afternoon, the weather had improved, allowing humanitarian aid to be delivered to those in need.

Displaced People and Fatalities

While mopping-up operations continued in the city, over 1,000 people were displaced and relocated to the town hall in Rawsonville. In Citrusdal, Riverview residents needed emergency accommodation at the Orangeville Town Hall. Unfortunately, two fatalities were reported due to the flooding. One person was swept away while attempting to cross the Buffelsjagsriver in Overberg, and another fatality occurred in Vredendal.

Focus on Small Isolated Communities

On Sunday, humanitarian relief efforts focused on small, isolated communities in the Cederberg Mountains. The City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre mentioned new flooding reports in the Philippi area, including a graveyard and the Kampies informal settlement. A mudslide in Hangberg, Hout Bay, affected two privately-owned properties and attended to by the City’s Roads and Infrastructure Management Service.

GOTG Provides Assistance

Ali Sablay, project manager for GOTG, told IOL that teams had been sent to nearly every informal settlement in the Western Cape. The SA Weather Service issued an Orange level 5 warning for wind and waves over the Northern and Western Cape on Sunday.

Another Cold Front Expected

With another cold front expected to make landfall later in the evening through Monday, the heaviest rain was predicted for the Cape Winelands area and parts of Overberg. Kriel expressed hope that the front would spare the West Coast area, allowing resources to be focused back toward the region.

Unity in Addressing Needs

As the Western Cape grapples with the aftermath of the flooding, ongoing efforts from the government, NGOs, and community-based organizations demonstrate the power of unity in addressing the pressing needs of those affected.