Humanitarian relief operation continues at the West Coast as province brace for next cold front
A multi stakeholder relief operation will continue today, with a focus on small and isolated communities in the Cederberg Mountains.
“We were pleased that humanitarian aid could reach Citrusdal yesterday, and with a window of clear skies today, we can use helicopters where necessary to reach people, who have been isolated for the past couple of days,” Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning said this morning.
The West Coast District has been hard hit by recent cold fronts, with widespread flooding making many roads and bridges inaccessible.
“Today’s situation report from the Provincial Disaster Management Centre indicted that most rivers in the province have passed their flood peaks, but remain very full.”
“We are therefore concerned about the latest weather system, which is expected to make landfall this evening. It is predicted to cause heavy rain in the Cape Winelands and Overberg Districts, potentially resulting in more flooding along our rivers.”
Also predicted are large swells and gale-force winds along our coastline, as well as near gale-force winds in the Central Karoo. The rain is expected to be followed by freezing temperatures in the interior of the province on Wednesday, after which conditions are expected to improve.
“Our focus remains the protection of human lives, and then the coordination and delivery of humanitarian aid. Thank you to all the stakeholders who have been working with us on providing relief where needed,” Minister Bredell said.
Media enquiries:
Wouter Kriel
Spokesperson for Minister Anton Bredell
Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
Cell: 079 694 3085
