The recent heavy rains in the Western Cape have taken a severe toll on the region, particularly impacting informal settlements, with over 10,000 people affected, according to Gift of the Givers (GotG), one of the prominent humanitarian aid organizations. Since Wednesday, GotG has been mobilizing teams to assist affected residents, particularly in informal settlements.
Communities in Nyanga, Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain, Atlantis, and Strand are among the areas where Gift of the Givers teams are currently providing aid. The destructive combination of damaging winds and torrential downpours has wreaked havoc, resulting in severe flooding, uprooted trees, damaged roads, and rockfalls.
Although Friday’s weather forecast predicts a respite from rainfall, the province is expected to face another bout of heavy rain on Saturday. Responding to the situation, the humanitarian aid organization announced that its relief efforts would expand to include the Breede Valley, Theewaterskloof, and Saldanha Bay areas.
Imtiaz Sooliman, the founder of Gift of the Givers, highlighted the dire situation faced by those residing in informal settlements along the N1, N2, and N7 corridors. Municipalities, disaster management authorities, community leaders, and affected communities reached out to the organization for urgent assistance. Countless homes were destroyed, personal belongings were damaged, and essential food supplies were washed away. In a country already grappling with pervasive hunger, losing access to food further exacerbates the crisis.
Sooliman appealed to the public to join forces in making a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by the floods. He emphasized the urgent need for support, as thousands of displaced individuals are seeking shelter in community halls and private homes. The affected population is in desperate need of necessities, including blankets, disposable nappies, hot meals, food parcels, and school stationery that will be provided in subsequent stages.