WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

  • For nearly a week, heavy rains, strong winds, and even snowfall have wreaked havoc across the Western and Northern Cape regions.
  • Schools in the Overberg and Cape Winelands will remain closed on Friday as foul weather continues to lash parts of the province. 
  • Thus far, 217 schools across the Western Cape have reported some form of damage to infrastructure or disruption to classes, with 86 cases regarded as serious and requiring attention. 
  • The elevated weather warnings remain in place for Friday and Saturday. 

Where to Find Shelter and How to Help

  • U-Turn Homeless Ministries:

    • Offering shelter at a church for storm victims.
    • Needs donations of blankets, sleeping bags, canned food, and thin mattresses.
    • Drop-off location: 155 2nd Avenue, Kenilworth, open until 9 PM through the weekend.

  • Ndifuna Ukwazi:

    • Collecting food, mattresses, blankets, storage boxes, money, and building materials.
    • Contact: 021 012 5094, email [email protected].

  • City of Cape Town Donations:

    • Received significant donations, including 36,000 meals and 6,000 blankets.
    • Donations accepted at designated trolleys in Pick n Pay and drop-off points at Goodwood, Lakeside, Ottery, Roeland Street, Sir Lowry’s Pass, and Strand fire stations.

  • Gift of the Givers:

    • Providing essentials and support for flood victims.
    • Contact: Toll-free 0800 786 911.
    • Donations via their website or Backabuddy campaign.

  • The Haven Night Shelter:

    • Providing temporary accommodation with 150 beds available in 14 shelters.
    • Contact head office: 021 425 4700, email [email protected].
    • Contact Retreat office: 021 761 0946/084 606 2525, email [email protected].

Read more in Daily Maverick

Insurers issued tips on how you can manage weather-related risks. Given the intense rain, storms, and flood patterns we are experiencing this week, it’s a good time to review their advice.

By Neesa Moodley

Sabina Abba Omar and Stefaan Conradie are climate researchers who have studied rainfall variability and weather extremes around Cape Town. They explain some of the factors behind the storms.

By Sabina Abba Omar and Stefaan Conradie

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