R5 million needed for Cape flood victims

The city disaster management team is working around the clock to help flood victims

Western Cape Social Development Minister, Kholeka Mqulwana, says her department will need at least R5 million to assist those affected by the recent floods on the Cape Peninsula.

Mqulwana was speaking in Gugulethu on the Cape Flats where a donation of 250 food parcels and blankets was made by an NGO, Gift of the Givers. Close to 40,000 people have been affected by torrential rains that hit the Cape in the past week.

The city disaster management team says some 22,000 people are been provided for daily and over 13,000 blankets have been given to the flood victims. They say 3,000 people are being housed in community halls across the city.

Meanwhile, as many as 6,000 families in several towns in the Cape West Coast region are still cut off. Municipal manager of the Matzikama district, Dean O'Neal, says an Air Force helicopter has been bringing them supplies. Roads in Lutzville and Klawer are still closed. O'Neal says it's not yet clear how long the situation will remain.

Mqulwana says various government departments are out assessing the situation and will compile a report to consider disaster declaration in parts of the province. The province was declared a disaster area in May following the spate of xenophobic attacks two months ago. Chances are that parts of the province will again be declared a disaster area next week. - SABC