Torrential rains threaten Cape Town with widespread flooding

The City of Cape Town's Disaster Operations Centre has received reports of roadways that are blocked and flooding incidents, as torrential rainfall hit the metro on Tuesday. 

Amid the heavy rains, the City said the stormwater department is attending to incidents in Southfield and Vygieskraal, where the canals are overflowing.

This, as several areas including Parow, Table View, and across the Cape Flats reported flooding.

" We urge all residents to remain vigilant as we prepare for the upcoming winter season." Ensuring safety and minimising potential flooding is a collective effort between the City of Cape Town and its residents," said Disaster Risk Management spokesperson, Charlotte Powell. 

Powell shared steps residents can take to mitigate the impact of flooding:

• Clean gutters: Regularly clear debris from gutters to ensure proper water flow
• Prune trees: Trim branches and remove any overhanging limbs that could cause blockages during heavy rain
• Clear waterways: Ensure that there are no obstructions in nearby waterways or drainage systems that could lead to flooding or water damage
• Report potholes: Notify the municipality of any potholes as soon as they appear to facilitate timely repairs and avoid further damage to road structures
• Maintain drainage systems: Regularly clear drainage channels to prevent blockages
• Elevate structures: Raise the floor level of homes where possible, so that it sits higher than the surrounding ground
• Create sandbags: Prepare sandbags to use as temporary barriers against flooding
• Dig trenches: Construct trenches around your home to direct water away from the structure
• Waterproof structures: Ensure roofs are watertight, gutters are clear, and dead branches or debris is removed to reduce potential rainfall damage
• Report issues: Immediately report blocked drains, drainage intakes, and instances of illegal dumping, as these can exacerbate flooding conditions

Cape Argus