Cape Town - The City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management Centre late on Tuesday issued a flood warning for many parts of the province, including the Cape metropole.
In response, the City’s housing directorate urged residents in low-lying, flood-prone informal settlements to reduce the risk of flooding by raising the floor level of their homes.
Communities in flood-hit informal settlements were invited to contact the City’s call centre on 0860 103 089 to request sand to raise the floor of their dwellings to keep water out. If the roof of their home is leaking, residents can apply for flood kits from the City’s Informal Settlements Management team.
The City appealed to residents to help by:
* Clearing out drainage systems on their properties
* Moving to higher ground if they stay in a flood-prone area (for assistance with this they can contact the City’s Call Centre or the Informal Settlements Management team)
* Digging trenches around their homes to divert water away
* Reporting blocked drains, intakes and illegal dumping
* Waterproofing roofs, clearing gutters and removing dead tree branches
“The City’s human settlements directorate is working closely with communities and other City departments to, as far as possible, ensure that the residents whose homes are vulnerable to flooding are cared for,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Councillor Benedicta van Minnen.
The City advised that heavy rain, strong wind conditions in the interior and very cold weather can be expected over the next two days.
The Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, said the concern was that the weather would not only lead to flooding but mudslides and fires.
“Some of the other associated risks during bad weather like this also includes mudslides, and informal settlement fires as well as severe cold made worse by the possible electricity challenges due to potential load shedding,” he said
Bredell has urged motorists and pedestrians travelling in the province over the next few days, to take extra caution.
“Care should be taken when crossing low lying bridges, or streams and rivers as floodwaters may be on the way.”
Provincial as well as municipal disaster management centres remain fully operational with officials on standby 24/7. These centres can be activated immediately should it be required.
Bredell stressed that communities should contact and cooperate with local authorities and emergency response personnel in the event of any emergency. He said the easiest number to call was 112, adding: “This number can be dialled toll-free from any cellphone.”
In case of emergency other relevant numbers to call are:
* Cape Winelands: Langeberg Municipality 0860 88 1111
* Eden District: 044 805 5071
* Central Karoo: 023 414 2603
* West Coast: 022 433 8700
* Overberg: 028 271 8111
* City of Cape Town: 107 landline or 021 480 7700
The City also attached the following flooding related tip sheet:
How can I prepare for a flood?
* Identify the risk in your local area.
* Prepare a home emergency plan, and identify risks around your home.
* Remove leaves (from downpipes or gutters) or any other items that can increase the risk of flooding in your area.
* Have an evacuation plan. Everyone in your family has to know where to go to find shelter.
* Prepare an emergency toolkit. This should include a first aid kit, torch and portable radio with batteries, candles and waterproof matches, drinking water, a multi-tool, whistle and emergency contact numbers.
What should I do during a flooding?
* Monitor current flood warnings. Listen to the radio for emergency warnings, evacuation advice and weather updates.
* Avoid entering floodwater unless it is necessary, and never underestimate the strength of floodwater, even if you are inside a vehicle.
* Follow all instructions from emergency authorities.
* Turn off all electricity and water and take your cellphone with you.
* Assist elderly and disabled neighbours.
What should I do after the flood?
* Before entering your house, wait until the water has dropped below floor level.
* Check with electricity and water authorities to know whether it is safe for you to use these resources.
* Be aware of contamination if water sources have been flooded; this could be unsafe to drink.
Contact these additional emergency numbers:
* 112 (from a cellphone) and 10177 from a landline.
* Report floods, blocked drains and service disruption to 0860 103 089.
* City of Cape Town Disaster Risk Management Centre: 080 911 4357.
- ANA
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