Cape Town: All hands-on deck to respond to weather impacts. The Safety and Security Directorate is working closely with other services across the City of Cape Town to manage and respond to hundreds of incidents that have so far been reported as a result of a massive frontal system.
The brunt of the forecast hit Cape Town overnight. Between 06:00 a.m. and 09:30 a.m. in the morning, the Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) received over 950 calls. Out of those that were weather related, downed trees, motor vehicle accidents and power issues were topical.
Fire & Rescue Service of the City of Cape Town has volunteered the use of its wildland firefighters to assist with clearing tree debris around the city, where needed. The service has also volunteered the use of its heavy rescue crane to help in removing the fallen trees.
Reportedly, the PECC recorded 1,220 calls for assistance this past weekend. Out of the calls received, 64 were physical assault related cases, 29 were domestic violence cases and assistance was dispatched to 44 motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents.
Disaster Risk Management is spearheading a Disaster Operations Centre (DOC) in Goodwood which includes all City departments, utilities, and other role.
Considering this, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security – Alderman JP Smith stated that the team has activated the DRMC-DOC. The officers are doing duty at intersections, assisting where roads have been closed due to flooding or fallen trees, and responding to calls for help.
Furthermore, they are supporting other departments and lending a hand where possible. He encouraged the residents to stay indoors where possible, take extra precautions on the road if they have to go out and report incidents immediately. Their safety is what matters most, so they should not take risks.
Traffic Services responded to 23 accidents and in general operations in the past week. With this, Traffic Officers have recorded 52 arrests, out of which 41 were for driving under the influence of alcohol, nine for reckless and negligent driving and two for other offences.
The officers also recorded 50,440 transgressions, impounded 210 public transport vehicles and executed 1,229 warrants of arrest. Metro Police Officers made 98 arrests and issued 6,230 traffic and by-law fines. Law Enforcement Officers made 267 arrests and issued 11,632 notices during weekly operations.