Cape Town's Acting Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews, visited the Vygieskraal and Kampies informal settlements on Monday, 7 July, to evaluate the aftermath of recent heavy rains that triggered flooding across parts of the city, Cape town Etc reports.
The inspections come as municipal teams and humanitarian organizations work to assist displaced residents and restore services in the hardest-hit areas.
According to the City of Cape Town , the flooding, caused by more than 100mm of rainfall in some areas between Friday and Sunday, overwhelmed drainage systems and left low-lying informal settlements submerged. While the City's disaster response teams had conducted preemptive maintenance, clearing stormwater drains and canals ahead of the winter rains, the intensity of the downpour still led to significant damage.
City and NGOs mobilize relief effortsAndrews emphasized that despite preparations, the sheer volume of rainfall created unavoidable challenges. Our teams were on the ground before the rains, clearing blockages and engaging with vulnerable communities through our Winter Readiness Programme, he said. However, the intensity of this past weekend's weather resulted in flooding across the city .
Disaster Risk Management, Informal Settlements Management, and other City departments have been working around the clock to assist affected residents. Humanitarian organizations, including Gift of the Givers, have also stepped in to provide emergency aid such as food, blankets, and temporary shelter.