Cape Town: Member of the Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security – Alderman JP Smith gives updated information regarding the heavy rainfall impacting the city, in the recent days.
Reportedly, efforts by the city are continuous and are responding to the impacts of the severe weather that are being experienced by the Cape Town since the early hours of the last Sunday.
Alderman Smith explained that as per the sources, indications are that, the worse is still has to come, before there is any respite. He said that he wants to take the opportunity to thank staff in Safety and Security, as well as other departments and entities for their efforts, so far, which is truly appreciable and commendable.
Giving the further updates, Smith said that with the level-8 warning for disruptive rainfall in place for tomorrow, Thursday, July 11, 2024, he wanted to assure the public that the city has all hands-on deck but that the weather conditions will likely result in widespread flooding and will impact the responses, considering the period of times.
MCM for Safety and Security advised that, where there is need and if possible, please stay off the roads and remain indoors. He urged the public to refrain from sharing social media posts, videos and photographs without verifying them, as in the past old clips have resurfaced.
Moreover, the difficulty with the indiscriminate sharing of the information or visuals, is that the City of Cape Town team needed to dispatch the staff to verify it, particularly if there is a potential risk to life or property resources that could be directed elsewhere.
Alderman JP Smith also extended his gratitude to the residents and businesses who have opened their hearts and their wallets and made donations.
The Pick n Pay has also come on board to avail trolleys in-store, where shoppers can deposit goods for donation. Those will relay to the various NGOs who have been so instrumental in the humanitarian efforts to date.
Over the past 48 hours the disaster management team of City of Cape Town has distributed more than 36,000 meals, nearly 6,000 blankets and various other needs like beanies, mattresses and roof sheeting. The wet weather will continue until weekend and possibly till next week, getting help from every little bit.