Disaster Management on High Alert for Possible Bad Weather

Statement by Anton Bredell, Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning

The Department of Local Government, through its Western Cape Disaster Management Centre, are monitoring weather reports of the likelihood of heavy rains and cold weather forecasted for major parts of the province, in particular the Cape Winelands, Overberg, and Eden districts. Weather services have issued a watch for the next two days.

Heavy rain and disruptive snowfalls are expected on the high ground of the southern parts of the Cape Winelands, Overberg and Eden District on Wednesday, moving into Thursday.

Widespread showers are expected over the Western Cape Province. In particular, heavy falls of rain are likely along the Cape south coast and adjacent interiors. Communities in these districts are thus alerted to the danger of flooding.

Snowfalls are expected from early Wednesday morning over the south-western mountains of the Western Cape. It should be noted that due to the extreme nature of this weather system, the freezing level is expected to be very low in places over the eastern parts of the Western Cape. The public is advised that such snowfalls are highly likely to result in the temporary closure of certain mountain passes.

All disaster management officials are on standby and high alert for the next couple of days.

Minister Bredell confirmed that all systems are in place we are prepared for all eventualities.

Colin Deiner, head of the Western Cape Disaster Management centre, says: “At this early stage we have placed key services on high alert. We will monitor the situation as it unfolds and advise the public and stakeholders further in due course. There are disaster management centres in each of the five district municipalities, including the metro, which are fully operational. We are in contact and supporting our counterparts in the districts”.

The public are cautioned to listen to local authorities and follow any alerts issued.

In cases of emergencies here is the list of the relevant numbers to call:

Cape Winelands: Langeberg Municipality 0860 88 1111

Eden District: 044 805 5071 

Central Karoo: 023 414 2603

West Coast: 022 433 8700

Overberg: 028 271 8111

City of Cape Town: 107 landline or 021 480 7700 cellphone