Western Cape Government launches large scale relief operation in the West Coast District
Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning has confirmed that The Western Cape Provincial Disaster Centre early this morning commenced with a large-scale relief operation in the West Coast District. The objective is to reach areas and towns that have been cut off during the recent storms and needs to be evacuated.
The province is assisted by the following organisations:
- South African Air Force
- Gift of the Givers Foundation
- West Coast District Disaster Management
- SARZA
- SAPS
- Provincial Traffic Department
“We have deployed three helicopters to Citrusdal together with specialized four-wheel drive vehicles and one command-and-control aircraft. Gift of the Givers has provided disaster relief materials such as food, water, blankets, and other necessities. The team will also respond to any other requests for assistance during the operational period. As of this morning, the helicopters have been unable to get airborne due to the poor weather but will attempt to reach Citrusdal as soon as it becomes possible,” Bredell said.
Minister Bredell repeated the call for people to avoid river crossings. “Our large bridges on the main national and provincial roads have visible law enforcement present to guide motorists, but there are many smaller river crossings throughout the province that cannot be monitored. For your own safety, please avoid ALL river crossings at this stage. Flash floods cannot currently be predicted and can become lethal in seconds if you are in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Contact:
Wouter Kriel
Spokesperson for Minister Anton Bredell
Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
Cell: 079 694 3085
