Joint Media Release by Premier Alan Winde and Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Anton Bredell
Premier Alan Winde, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, and Minister Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer today, 18 May 2026, provided an update on the ongoing disaster response efforts underway across the province following consecutive severe weather events earlier this month.
The Premier, several members of his Cabinet and other Western Cape Government officials conducted an aerial assessment of some of the hardest hit areas. This will inform the overall assessment of the extent of damage and costs. The most recent weather event is currently being assessed for a classification as a national disaster.
The widespread impact follows multiple cold fronts that swept across the Western Cape, bringing extreme weather conditions including heavy rainfall, gale-force winds, river flooding, and dam spillovers. Reports indicate rainfall levels of between 150mm and 200mm in mountainous areas, while wind speeds reached between 100 km/h and 120 km/h in certain regions.
The severe weather caused significant disruption across all districts, with local authorities, disaster management teams, and emergency services, working around the clock to assess damage, support affected communities, and restore critical services where required.
The worst affected areas are:
Cape Winelands District:
- Breede Valley (Worcester, Rawsonville)
- Witzenberg (Ceres, Wolseley)
West Coast District:
- Cederberg (Citrusdal, Wuppertal)
- Matzikama (Vredendal, Lutzville)
City of Cape Town:
- Informal settlements and floodplains
Encouraging progress has been made in recovery and mopping up operations. “There has been good progress. But there is still a lot of work ahead. All our disaster management teams and other stakeholders are working as hard as they can to reopen all roads, repair damaged infrastructure, and restore critical services,” stated Premier Winde.
Collectively the province’s dam levels have risen from 52.46%, recorded last week, to 70.59%.
Electricity restoration remains a key focus area. The Premier commended Eskom and municipalities for the effort they are putting in to restore electricity. “But teams are encountering significant accessibility challenges in some areas, hampering their work.”
Humanitarian relief operations remain ongoing across the province, with tens of thousands of affected residents continuing to receive critical support. Assistance provided includes food parcels, prepared meals, drinking water, blankets, and hygiene essentials. Temporary shelters remain active in several districts, offering accommodation and support to displaced individuals and families.
Tragically, 11 fatalities have been reported since the first weather system struck. Premier Winde has expressed his deep condolences over the loss of life, “Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the 11 people who died.”
He thanked all disaster management officials, as well as NGOs, national government partners and volunteers for their ongoing dedication and hard work.
To watch a recording of the briefing, click on the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/live/OkRFapZ7tlY?feature=shared
Media Enquiries:
Regan Thaw
Media Liaison Officer to the Premier
Cell: 083 627 7246
Email: Regan.Thaw@westerncape.gov.za
#GovZAUpdatesWC
