Cold fronts bring chaos to Western Cape

A series of significant cold fronts are expected to affect the Western and Northern Cape until Sunday, (July 14). Since late last week, the region on the southwest tip of Africa has been hit by multiple cold fronts, bringing record rainfall in some parts and gale-force winds. The severe weather has caused extensive damage and disruption across the area.

City authorities have reported that the bad weather is expected to continue. In the Wynberg neighborhood of Cape Town, on Thursday (11 July) morning (local time) extensive damage from strong overnight winds, which blew off roofs, destroyed parts of houses and other buildings, and brought down electricity poles. As a result, at least 4,500 people have been displaced and 15,000 structures damaged in and around Cape Town and the wider Western Cape province. These figures are expected to rise as more damage is assessed.

Three major rivers in the province have burst their banks, exacerbating the situation. The provincial disaster management services have ordered evacuations in some areas, including the agricultural area of Citrusdal and parts of the wine-growing region around Stellenbosch, which is approximately 30 miles (48 kilometers) inland from Cape Town, due to severe flooding.

The impact of the cold fronts has been profound, disrupting daily life and causing significant infrastructure damage. Authorities are working to provide relief and support to those affected while monitoring the ongoing weather situation closely. The community is urged to stay alert and follow safety advisories as the region braces for continued severe weather conditions.

References

• Severe cold fronts bring destruction and displacement to Western and Northern Cape
• Cape Town hit by more storms, with 4,500 people displaced by floods and damage